After Federal Budget Cuts, Blackstone Has a Chance to Invest in Resilience

April 21, 2025

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Last week, Massachusetts officials shared troubling news: the federal government has canceled $90 million in disaster prevention aid earmarked for our state. That’s a big loss—especially for small towns like ours where flooding, heat waves, and infrastructure issues can have a real impact on daily life.

But there’s good news, too: Massachusetts is stepping up. Through a state-funded program called the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program, communities like Blackstone still have a chance to protect themselves, prepare for climate change, and improve public spaces.

And here’s the part many people don’t know: Blackstone is already certified and eligible for the next round of funding.

What Is MVP and What’s New About MVP 2.0?

The MVP Program supports towns across Massachusetts in planning and preparing for extreme weather, flooding, and other climate-related risks. Blackstone completed the first phase—MVP 1.0—which involved identifying local vulnerabilities and earning “MVP Community” certification.

Now, we’re eligible for MVP 2.0 (in the 2025-2026 round), which offers up to $100,000 in funding over two years. This includes:

$50,000 for deeper community-driven planning, with a focus on equity and climate resilience.
$50,000 for a “Seed Project”—a tangible action we can take right away.

But what does that actually look like for a town like ours?

What Could MVP 2.0 Look Like in Blackstone?

Here are just a few real-world examples of what MVP 2.0 could possibly fund in our community:

1. Reducing Flooding in Problem Spots

Heavy rainstorms are more frequent, and some parts of town just can’t keep up. MVP 2.0 could support:

Building rain gardens in flood-prone neighborhoods to soak up stormwater.
Replacing or upgrading old storm drains.
Adding natural barriers to help protect roads, yards, and basements from flooding.

2. Preparing for Summer Heatwaves

Heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous. Especially for seniors and families without A/C. MVP 2.0 could help us:

Create a cooling center at the Senior Center or Library, complete with water, A/C, Wi-Fi, and seating.
Install shade trees along sidewalks, near playgrounds, or at public gathering spots.

3. Emergency Preparedness for All

Some residents aren’t ready for emergencies—not because they don’t want to be, but because they lack resources. MVP funds could help provide:

Emergency kits with flashlights, batteries, water bottles, and first aid supplies.
Community events that teach residents how to prepare for extreme weather.
Multilingual safety guides tailored to our local needs.

4. Protecting Trails and Natural Areas

Our town’s trails, rivers, and open spaces are some of our greatest assets—but they’re vulnerable. With MVP support, we could:

Reinforce eroding trails along the bike path.
Add native plantings to reduce runoff and attract pollinators.
Create signs that explain how these efforts help protect the environment.

5. Making Sure Every Voice is Heard

The MVP process is all about community engagement. That means:

Hosting listening sessions at the Library or Town Hall.
Offering childcare, food, or transportation stipends to make it easier for people to participate.
Gathering input from residents of all ages, income levels, and backgrounds.

Why It Matters Now

With federal disaster prevention aid off the table, programs like MVP are more important than ever. They give towns like Blackstone the chance to proactively address challenges before they become disasters—while also making our community stronger, safer, and more connected.

These aren’t just “nice-to-haves.” They’re investments in our quality of life.

What You Can Do

Encourage local leaders to apply for MVP 2.0 this fall. Here’s the MVP 2.0 FAQ
Join the conversation—whether it’s through surveys, meetings, or informal discussions.
Spread the word so more people know about this opportunity.

We don’t have to wait for someone else to save us—or sit back because of federal cuts. Blackstone is ready, eligible, and capable of building a safer, more resilient future.

Let’s make it happen.

Editor’s Note: At the time of publishing, Small Town Post has not found any publicly available information about Blackstone’s current MVP 2.0 plans. This article is intended to inform residents about the program and spark conversation about local opportunities for resilience and preparedness.

📌 This article is part of our mission to inform, inspire, and amplify the stories that matter to the Blackstone community. At Small Town Post, we believe in sharing resources that help our neighbors stay safe, prepared, and connected—especially in times of change. If you have a story to tell, a project idea, or a topic you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime at editor@smalltownpost.com.

Let’s build a stronger Blackstone, together.