Malden City Council urges state support for Mass Ready Act, highlights Amelia Earhart Dam funding need

The Malden City Council unanimously passed a resolution calling on the city’s state legislative delegation to support S2542, the Mass Ready Act, and to include funding for substantial flood-resilience upgrades to the Amelia Earhart Dam and its embankments.

Councilor McDonald, sponsor of the resolve, told the council the dam serves as the primary tidal barrier protecting the west side of Malden along the Malden River and that the project is already in the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s capital plan. McDonald said designs are under way and that a complete project—including raising the dam and reinforcing embankments—has been estimated at more than $100 million; the proposal discussed would include roughly an 18-inch raise in one option presented.

Councilors across the chamber supported the resolve and emphasized that state-level bonding or earmarks in the Mass Ready Act would help the city avoid higher long-term costs and protect homes and infrastructure. Councilor Winslow noted complementary east-side work being planned by DCR and MassDOT for other flood gates, and several councilors cited ongoing planning for Town Line Brook and delta-terrace areas as related priorities.

The council passed the resolution by voice vote, 10–0, and agreed to continue engaging the delegation and DCR about project timing and funding. Sponsors said the measure aligns with Malden’s 2024 Climate Action Plan and the Climate Action and Sustainability Commission’s endorsement.