(Boston, MA) Funding is Part of 1997 Plymouth “Challenge Grant” - Senator Therese Murray (D-Plymouth), Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, Representatives Vinny deMacedo (R-Plymouth) and Tom O’Brien (D-Kingston), announced today that the town of Plymouth has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA). The grant, part of the Plymouth “challenge grant”, is the first installment of the funds which will be used to purchase a 188- acre parcel of land that is a habitat for several rare species. The remaining $1.7 million would be paid to Plymouth by EOEA in equal payments of $700,000 in fiscal years 2006 and 2007.

“Protecting this land is critical to the future of Plymouth. This is a win-win situation for everyone,” Murray said. “I am pleased that the Secretary for Environmental Affairs is continuing to work with us on this critical grant, and I am glad that the Town of Plymouth is in a position to receive these funds.”
“The Town of Plymouth is extremely fortunate to have an abundance of natural resources within its landscape,” said Representative deMacedo. "The recently awarded EOEA grant will play a critical role in preserving this environment, so it can be enjoyed by future generations.” “I am pleased that the combined efforts of the Plymouth legislative delegation and the EOEA made this 188 acre land purchase possible.”

"Since 1997, when the Town of Plymouth first secured the Challenge Grant from the state, we have worked closely with the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs to ensure that Plymouth receives the funding necessary to protect its unique natural resources and open space," noted Rep. O'Brien. "Most recently, after many meetings with Secretary Herzfelder, we are gratified that the state has released another $500,000 toward the completion of the original "Challenge" and the protection of additional acreage in the Town of Plymouth."

In addition to the purchase of the 188 acres, the deal between Plymouth and EOEA included conservation restrictions for about 1,000 acres of additional land in the Town Forest and the Briggs Reservoir Block. The State Forest is a habitat for the red-bellied turtle and other rare species, and the Briggs Reservoir is an important water supply and includes trails which connect Myles Standish State Forest to the coast. Senator Murray worked hard to make sure the legislation authorizing the transfer of the conservation restrictions was signed into law.