Local Legislators Announce State Funding for Winchester Flood Mitigation Program

Senators Pat Jehlen and Katherine Clark, and Representative Jason Lewis are pleased to announce that Governor Deval Patrick has included $2.5million in the administration’s 2014-2018 Capital Investment Plan to help the Town of Winchester pay for Aberjona River Flood Mitigation projects.   The funds were initially authorized by the legislature in a 2009 Environmental Bond Bill. 

Since 1996, certain neighborhoods and the main commercial center of Winchester have endured five devastating floods of the Aberjona River, which have caused over $20 million in damages to public and private property.  In response, the town has spent more than $10 million to study, permit, and implement flood mitigation projects. 

The Winchester legislative delegation held several meetings with Patrick Administration officials over the past two years to discuss the flood mitigation program, emphasizing the need to continue to accelerate the remaining mitigation projects in both Woburn and Winchester to protect local homes and businesses from continued devastation during flood events.

“I am very pleased that Governor Patrick and the Administration have recognized the ongoing impact of the devastating flooding in Winchester, and prioritized the need to move our flood mitigation program forward swiftly,” said Rep Lewis.  “This money will enable the Town of Winchester to move forward with the next vital projects to limit the tremendous damage to businesses and homes caused by frequent flooding.”

“This is a crucial and prudent investment in infrastructure that will save the residents and the town of Winchester tens of millions of dollars over the coming decades,” said Senator Jehlen.  

 Senator Clark added, “We must continue to work together to mitigate the potential for severe flooding in Winchester, and I’m pleased that the Commonwealth will support these important infrastructure investments to protect our neighborhoods and our local businesses.”