Massachusetts Silver Jackets

MASSACHUSETTS SILVER JACKETS

The Massachusetts Team is comprised of representatives from Federal and State agencies which support comprehensive and sustainable actions that reduce flood risk within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Prior to the inception of the Massachusetts Team, Massachusetts has had an active State Hazard Mitigation Interagency Committee (SHMIC) since its creation in 1991, following two Presidential Disaster Declarations, Hurricane Bob in August and the Halloween Storm in October of that year. This committee, which consists of state, federal, and private sector organizations, is responsible for contributing to the development of the State Hazard Mitigation Plan as well as reviewing and endorsing project applications proposed by applicants for grant funding. Mitigation activities in Massachusetts are administered by an executive team called the State Hazard Mitigation Team (SHMT) comprised of staff from Department of Conservation and Recreation and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. The SHMT is always seeking expansion of the Interagency Committee to improve the coordination of the mitigation activities in the Commonwealth.

MISSION STATEMENT

Our state and federal Interagency team facilitates a collaborative process of strategic and integrated of mitigation and adaptation actions to reduce the threat, vulnerability and consequences of flooding in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the process of sharing and combining resources, funding, programs, and technical expertise as authorized and appropriate, we work toward the goal of proactively reducing flood risk.

Team Activities

High Water Marks, Boston, Massachusetts

This project will re-establish legacy High Water Mark on publicly visible and publicly owned infrastructure in the Downtown area. Placing HWMs would highlight the City’s efforts to protect neighborhoods, and engage the public in resiliency awareness.

Charlemont, Massachusetts Flood Risk Management Plan

The small town of Charlemont, MA experienced significant flooding in 2011 with damages exceeding $6 million and impacting critical facilities including the wastewater treatment plant; police, fire, and ambulance facilities/services; elementary school; and, two state highways.  The town worked with the Silver Jackets team to integrate existing and new data to assess vulnerabilities and develop a flood risk action plan and updated evacuation plan that will improve preparation and coordinated response between numerous entities including the town, Sewer District, and local industries.