Culverts and Small Bridges
About
Culverts and small bridges play a vital role in the transportation network, providing the ability to maintain connections within watersheds, and protecting property and other infrastructure from flood, storm damage, and so on.
In 2019, CMRPC began a Regional Culvert Assessment Program. Since then, CMRPC staff have assessed culverts in the communities of West Brookfield, Sturbridge, and parts of Berlin, Oxford, Northbridge, Sutton, and Warren. To survey culverts, CMRPC staff use protocols set by the North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative (NAACC). Staff have trained several individuals in the region to assess culverts in their communities utilizing the NAACC and help assist in identifying vulnerable culverts for replacement or maintenance projects and grants.
Data
The Culvert Assessment Program Hub includes multiple types of information, including the Regional Culverts Dashboard, includes a map and information summarizing culvert assessment data in the region. The CMMPO Water Module report focused on water features in the region and transportation-related challenges, primarily culverts. Explores current methodologies and a regional approach to assess and prioritize culverts for repair or replacement.
Environmental Consultation
About
To meet Federal guidelines, which encourage early coordination with local communities to address environmental concerns and issues in the transportation planning process for the region, an Annual Environmental Consultation Meeting is hosted by CMRPC staff to bring state and local environmental stakeholders together to discuss a range of environmental activities and issues associated with the planning region’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).
Data
View the presentation and environmental maps used for the 2024 Environmental Consultation:
- 2024 Environmental Consultation Presentation
- NAACC Culverts Map
- MassDCR Open Space Map
- Massachusetts Flood Zones Map
- MassDEP Wetlands Map
- MassWildlife Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) Map
In addition to the above environmental maps, the Massachusetts Project Intake Tool (MaPIT) is a web-based application designed to help both state and municipal proponents map, create, and initiate transportation projects, while screening against all relevant in-house GIS resources. Learn more about initiating a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) project through MaPIT.
Stormwater Management
About
Stormwater can pick up loose soil, pet waste, plant fertilizers and chemicals from automobiles, hazardous household waste, and other debris. These pollutants are deposited into receiving waters such as streams, lakes, and rivers, causing water quality degradation, which can cause other environmental, social, and industrial impacts. Stormwater impacts can affect public health, ecosystems, transportation, and economic activities. When managed properly, these negative impacts can be mitigated.
Data
CMRPC staff developed a Toolkit to help integrate Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) that addresses stormwater management into the beginning stages of the transportation planning process. View the Nature-Based Solutions for Transportation Toolkit (2018 CMMPO Environmental Toolbox Series).
Hazard Mitigation and Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP)
About
The MVP grant program provides support for cities and towns in Massachusetts to identify climate hazards, assess vulnerabilities, and develop action plans to improve resilience to climate change. Communities that complete the MVP Planning Grant process become designated as an MVP Community and are eligible for MVP Action Grant funding to implement the priority actions identified during the planning process.
Data
View the region’s evacuation routes, hazardous dams, and locally identified hazards and vulnerable critical infrastructure.
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ)
About
The CMAQ is a program that provides funds to states for transportation projects designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality, particularly in areas of the country that do not attain national air quality standards. The main goal of the program is to fund transportation projects that reduce regulated emissions associated with carbon monoxide, ozone, and particulate matter pollution.
Data
Two tables are included below. Table 1 shows the recently approved CMAQ projects in the CMMPO region since 2017. Table 2 shows the types of projects and activities eligible for CMAQ funding.
