Kerry announces money for Salem for a stromwater project

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It wasn't just the bright sunshine and warm temperature that brightened the day at Peabody City Hall Wednesday. The office of Sen. John F. Kerry notified city officials that it will receive $3 million for the construction of new stormwater culverts beneath Peabody Square.

The project — which still faces further review and regulatory hurdles, according to Mayor Michael Bonfanti — will help divert water from Goldthwaite Brook directly into the North River. Currently some of this water goes straight up into the street, resulting in the type of flooding seen last month and in the Mother's Day storm of 2006.

"The floods were a huge reminder that we need more efficient stormwater drainage to protect homes and businesses, and this investment is just what the doctor ordered," Kerry declared in a statement released this week.

Bonfanti was quick to credit the members of his planning team for the grant, which comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The project had been in the works well before the most recent rains. But last month's deluge — it was the rainiest March in history — made clear the importance of further mitigation measures.

Here's Kerry statement - http://kerry.senate.gov/cfm/record.cfm?id=323670