NATURAL RESOURCES
Sustaining natural resources is crucial to any economic development strategy. Historically, the protection of the natural environment was often viewed as a barrier to growth; environmental protection was seen to be at odds with economic development. In the 21st century this is no longer the case. The Commonwealth and much of the industrialized world have moved from a manufacturing to an information based economy; because of this shift knowledge, embodied in people, is the new raw material. Knowledge workers value the environment as an important quality of life asset and they choose to live in places that value it as well. Because workers, with their knowledge and skills, are so important in today's economy, firms will locate to these places to tap into their talent. A healthy environment and its preservation must be viewed as a key component to any comprehensive economic development strategy. Water, in all its guises- supply treatment, and storm runoff is a natural resource constant that is crucial to the future of the Arc of Innovation region but largely unmentioned by the media, public and policy makers.
From a hydrology standpoint, six different watersheds meet within the Arc of Innovation; the SuAsCo, Charles River, Nashua, Merrimack, Blackstone, Neponset, and Taunton River, while there are eight wastewater treatment facilities. In addition to regional facilities, several communities receive water and/or sewer services from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. Some rivers, most notably in the Charles and SuAsCo watersheds, are being subjected to pressure from the rapid pace of development.
This situation leaves residents; industrial, commercial, and retail users; wastewater treatment operators; developers; public works officials; watershed organizations; planners; and elected officials, all with different perspectives as well as areas of agreement on water resource issues.
From a governmental standpoint, jurisdictions are fragmented along local, regional, state, and federal levels, with overlapping responsibilities, unclear priorities, ongoing regulatory deliberations, and emerging policies at both the federal and state levels.
The Partnership has been actively engaged on water issues, thanks to the foresight of Congressman James P. McGovern, who secured federal funding for the development of a 495/MetroWest Water Resources Strategy by the Partnership with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. This initiative has exemplified the Partnership’s use of public-private collaboration, as it has drawn the support of municipal officials, facility managers, state agencies, watershed advocates, legislators, and other constituencies. To learn more about this effort click here.
