Andover will get $20,000 from $10 million the Healey administration released earlier this month for communities damaged in last summer’s flooding.
“Following this flooding, I worked closely with my colleagues to secure funds to help communities recover from these brutal storms,” state Sen. Barry Finegold (D-Andover) said in a note to constituents Monday. “I am grateful to announce that North Andover will receive $725,000 and Haverhill will receive $480,000 to aid in the ongoing rebuild process and supplement efforts to get back to normal.”
The administration also said it was increasing the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program by 35 percent, earmarking the additional $7 million for towns and cities to plan, design, and construct “natured-based” programs to fight future, inland flooding.
A microburst ripped through Town in September downing trees and knocking out power to all but a few pockets of Andover. The Friday afternoon storm canceled school on the following Monday, when hundreds of residents still had no electric service.
Town officials estimate it will take up to five years to complete all the cleanup work — particularly in wooded areas. Less than one month earlier, Andover was hit with flash flooding on Aug. 8 and 18. The Town is seeking state and federal funding to offset the flood damage costs.