The Members of the MVP Committee Will Be Representatives of, and Vested in, a Resilient Future For Your Communities.
Resilient Stormwater and Urban Heat Island Assessment
During 2023 and 2024, the town is in the process of undertaking a Resilient Stormwater and Urban Heat Island Assessment. This work is funded by a MVP Action Grant totaling $135,000. Ludlow committed a $40,000 cash match and a $5,000 in-kind services match. This financial commitment underscores Ludlow’s dedication to the success of the project.
Project Goals
- Inventory all town-owned culverts in Ludlow. What is a culvert?
- Complete a comprehensive Urban Heat Island (UHI) assessment. Learn more about heat islands.
- Identify and prioritize nature-based solutions tailored to Ludlow’s unique challenges. Nature based solutions may include green stormwater infrastructure, culvert repair / replacement, stream solutions, and strategically planting trees. Learn more about Nature-based solutions.
- Getting your input & feedback! Take our online survey here (insert link) and keep an eye out for our Spring Workshop to share the results of this work and solicit your feedback
With the increasing frequency and intensity of storms, Ludlow faces heightened risks to its infrastructure, including homes, roads, and emergency response systems. Recognizing the impacts of intensified rain and snowmelt, Ludlow is proactively addressing the vulnerabilities in its road-stream crossings (culverts) and watercourses. This strategic initiative aims to modernize and enhance culvert systems, crucially mitigating the consequences of severe and more frequent storm events.
During storm events, water surges through culverts and overflows onto roadways, carrying with it various pollutants such as pet waste, oil from vehicles, litter, and debris, impacting Ludlow’s local water bodies. Elevated water levels in streams and rivers during flooding events exacerbate erosion of riverbanks, leading to increased sedimentation in the water. This excess of contaminants and sediment poses threats to Ludlow’s aquatic ecosystems, endangering habitats, compromising drinking water resources, and affecting recreational activities.
Ludlow is not immune to the escalating challenges of urban heat, intensified by climate change. The town experiences increased temperatures, especially in developed areas with limited green spaces. Acknowledging the implications of Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects, Ludlow is taking proactive measures to assess and address this phenomenon. By understanding and mitigating UHI, Ludlow aims to create more comfortable living spaces and safeguard the well-being of its residents.
Urban Heat Island effects in Ludlow contribute to higher temperatures in densely developed regions, impacting the local environment. This phenomenon is associated with increased energy consumption, air pollution, and adverse health effects. Ludlow recognizes the importance of combating UHI to enhance overall environmental quality, promote sustainability, and ensure the health and comfort of its community members.
Your participation is vital in shaping Ludlow’s future. By engaging with the project, you contribute to the identification and prioritization of solutions that directly impact our community. Whether you’re a student, resident, or part of an Environmental Justice community, your insights matter. Ludlow invites you to be an integral part of this endeavor.
- How You Can Contribute – Take our Survey: Ludlow values your input! If you’ve observed issues related to urban heat, flooding, or stormwater, share your thoughts. Your insights are crucial in shaping the town’s response. To contribute, please participate in our survey: http://www.tinyurl.com/LudlowSurvey.
- Attend our Spring Public Workshop: This spring, the Town will be presenting the results of this work and soliciting your feedback and questions.
By actively participating, you contribute to Ludlow’s journey towards a more resilient and sustainable future.
Previous Planning & MVP Designation
During 2021 and 2022, Ludlow undertook the MVP Community Resilience Building planning process and prepared a Summary of Findings Report and Hazard Mitigation Plan.
This allows Ludlow to become a MVP Designed Community and opens the door for funding through MVP Action Grant