This past year posed some unprecedented challenges for our clients, each of them traversing through the pandemic and adapting to the “new normal” of performing their day-to-day operations and serving their communities as best they can under unparalleled circumstances. As we approach the new year, we would like to take this opportunity to recognize the work that they are doing to provide support to their residents, and businesses – some of which have suffered great hardships, and acknowledge their leadership during these extraordinary times.
Capital Strategic Solutions (CSS) has been working with the leadership teams from the communities of Acushnet, Dunstable, Gloucester, Grafton, Groton, Holden, Lynn, Pepperell, Southborough, Stow, and Townsend to provide them with the support that they need to maximize CARES, FEMA and ARPA funding opportunities for their communities. The supplemental funding to communities will allow for the stabilization of local economies, promote future growth opportunities, improve infrastructure, solve workforce challenges, and increase food security building stronger and more resilient communities.
We would like to recognize the Easton Department of Public Works and Environmental Partners, the Plainville Department of Public Works and BETA, and the Dedham – Westwood Water District and Weston & Sampson for taking action to address water quality issues within their respective communities and protecting consumers. Public water suppliers play a critical role in their communities’ economic growth and are instrumental in protecting public health and safety.
The work that the Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition, the Plainville Department of Public Works, and the Westminster Public Works Department are doing protects water supplies at the source by providing educational resources to reduce stormwater pollution. They each have developed tools, platforms, and best management practices to protect local waterways, and ensure the availability and sustainability of our most valuable resource – water.
The Sudbury Department of Public Works and Woodard and Curran are developing a comprehensive wastewater management plan to protect the Town’s municipal water supply wells. Septic systems continue to be an environmental concern due to the proximity of these on-site wastewater systems that discharge near the wells located on Raymond Road. We have joined their efforts to protect the Sudbury water supply by educating consumers about the impacts that unmaintained septic systems can have on our natural resources, and the limitations that are placed on the development and economic growth of the Route 20 corridor.
Together, the Town of Weymouth and Green International Affiliates is providing enhanced safety and accessibility to Weymouth community members and visitors through the Columbian Square Improvement Project. This project is thoughtfully designed to improve the safety of pedestrians and vehicular traffic movements through Columbian Square; as well as to create a vibrant, walkable atmosphere spurring commerce within the historic village center. Mayor Hedlund has committed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds awarded to the Town of Weymouth for the completion of this project.
In the midst of the pandemic, the Town of Clinton launched the Downtown Clinton Revitalization Program and enlisted our support not only to keep their community informed about construction, but also to support the local businesses that were going to be significantly impacted by construction activities. COVID-19 pushed us to test the boundaries of our typical crisis playbook – so, we launched the #WeDigDowntown social media campaign to encourage community members to continue to support local entrepreneurs, and attract new customers through the broad reach of social media.
We look forward to working with the Town of Truro on the Regional Study of Emergency Medical Service Provision. We admire their forethought on regional emergency medical services, especially considering the substantial increase in the population on the Cape during the summer months and the impacts on public safety.
Our team is honored to be working with the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools to implement a more cohesive and responsive website design to support their mission to foster and support regional schools in Massachusetts through education, collaboration, and advocacy. We are eager to delve into this project and provide them with support to develop and disseminate strategies to address issues facing regional schools.
Together, the CSS Team is thankful to be of assistance to so many impressive leaders that are working diligently to support the communities that they serve and for the trust that they have in us to assist them in designing a strategy that will be implemented to propel them towards an even brighter future! Wishing you all a happy holiday season and new year!