SUMMARY:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is conducting a feasibility study in partnership with the City of North
Adams to evaluate potential flood risk reduction measures within the North Adams community by
rehabilitating, replacing, or removing aging flood risk management infrastructure, while leveraging
opportunities for aquatic ecosystem restoration and community recreation. The focus of this study is to
reduce flood risk to public infrastructure; important societal resources, such as Massachusetts Museum
of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) and historic properties; disadvantaged communities; and the
broader local community and to reduce economic and social impacts from riverine flooding from the
Hoosic River in North Adams, Massachusetts.
DESCRIPTION:
The study area is focused on the Hoosic River, a tributary of the Hudson River, within the borders of
North Adams, MA. The study area includes approximately 6 miles of the Hoosic River from the North
Branch where it enters North Adams, MA to the east part of town along the Main Branch where it exits
North Adams. Additionally, the study area will include approximately 3.5 miles of the South Branch of
the Hoosic River from where it enters North Adams to where it joins the North Branch into the Main
Branch. This area includes historical downtown North Adams, MA, and agricultural, industrial,
recreational, and residential areas. This area also includes a USACE legacy project consisting of a
panelized concrete channel system which guides the river through downtown North Adams.
AUTHORIZATION:
The Hoosic River Study was authorized in a resolution of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Representatives on 2 Dec 2010, House Docket 2828, House
Document 182. Additional study authorization is included in the Water Resources Development Act
(WRDA) 2020, §§(a)(2) [Public Law §204(a)(2)(L)]: A feasibility study for a project for flood risk
management, Hoosic River, Massachusetts.
STATUS / STUDY COST:
The study was initiated in August 2023 when USACE executed a $3M FCSA in a 50/50 percent cost
sharing arrangement with the project’s non Federal sponsor, the City of North Adams, MA. This three
year study will culminate in a Chief’s Report to be completed in August 2026. A draft report is scheduled
to be released to the public in October 2024.
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT:
Rep. Richard Neal (MA-1)
CONTACT:
Mr. Seth B. Greenwald, PMP
Project Manager
email: seth.b.greenwald@usace.army.mil
phone: 917-790-8030
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District
Programs and Project Management Division, Civil Works Programs Branch
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278