State Levee Funding Stalls for Hadley Flood Protection

Sen. Jo Comerford told Hadley officials that levee repairs remain a state legislative priority while funding is still pending.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Legislative Policy

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a grassy levee embankment running across a floodplain beside a calm river, under overcast skies. — Massachusetts' $60 million levee bond remains unappropriated, leaving Hadley's $2 million to $3 million in urgent flood repairs unfunded as the town seeks state help. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should the state prioritize funding for rural flood protection and school aid formulas?

A $60 million bond authorization for levee work in the environmental bond bill has not been appropriated, and a proposed Connecticut River Commission has not cleared committee. Town Administrator Nate Malloy estimates $2 million to $3 million in immediate repairs are needed.

Why it matters

Updated FEMA flood maps make it appear Hadley has no levee, complicating the town's position as it seeks state support. Comerford said a state focus is needed to help Hadley with the levee.

The $60 million levee bond authorization has not been appropriated, and the proposed Connecticut River Commission has not cleared committee. Whether the funds will be released and when remains unresolved.

The players

Jo Comerford

Massachusetts state senator who presented Hadley's levee and education funding priorities to the Select Board and advocates for state action on the issue.

Nate Malloy

Town administrator of Hadley who estimates immediate levee repair costs and is coordinating with neighboring Hatfield on possible joint funding.

The details

Comerford presented legislative priorities at the Select Board's Nov. 4 meeting. Malloy is in talks with Hatfield officials about cooperation and possible joint funding programs, while Comerford anticipates a forthcoming report on the targeted local contribution formula will be critical.

Chapter 70 law was last opened in 2015.
The targeted local contribution formula has not been opened in 18 years.
Comerford briefed the Hadley Select Board on legislative priorities on Nov. 4, 2026.

Legislative Policy Context

Chapter 70, Massachusetts' school funding law, has not been reopened since 2015, and the targeted local contribution formula has gone 18 years without revision. Hadley's levee funding request is being pursued against that backdrop of dormant state formulas.

Hadley residents face unfunded levee repairs whose costs could fall on local budgets if state appropriations stall. The outcome of the bond authorization will shape how much flood protection the town can afford.

The takeaway

State funding decisions on levees and school aid formulas can move slowly, so local officials often must plan for flood and budget needs before appropriations arrive. Readers following Hadley should watch for appropriation votes and the forthcoming formula report.