Patrick Administration Announces Expansion of Small Town Road Grants
The Patrick Administration has announced expansion of the Small Town Road Assistance Program (STRAP) grant program for 2008.The STRAP grant program is designed to promote economic development and public safety in smaller communities. The transportation bond bill signed by Governor Patrick last month added $5 million to the program and expanded the number of communities eligible by raising the population threshold from 3,500 to 7,000. In addition, for the first time grant applications will be evaluated based upon formal criteria regarding the benefits and urgency of projects.
"The Patrick Administration is pleased to approve the significant expansion of this important program," said Transportation Secretary Bernard Cohen. "STRAP grants help promote economic development in small communities across the Commonwealth.”
MassHighway continues to focus resources on projects throughout the Commonwealth that enhance safe travel," said MassHighway Commissioner Luisa Paiewonsky. "STRAP grants address important needs in our smaller communities.”
“The STRAP program demonstrates the Commonwealth’s commitment to advancing the transportation initiatives of small towns, enabling these communities to complete important projects that help drive local economies, said Representative Joseph F. Wagner (D-Chicopee), House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Transportation.
“The expansion of STRAP is another good example of the commitment this Governor has made to rebuild a working partnership with cities and towns,” said Joseph A. Curtatone, mayor of Somerville and president of the Massachusetts Mayors Association. “Governor Patrick knows that investment in basic transportation infrastructure is essential to economic development and enhanced quality of life.”
The STRAP grant program was established in the 1980’s to fund transportation projects that improve public safety and promote economic development in small communities. The additional funding combined with the higher population threshold of 7,000 will make additional communities eligible and increase the number of grants approved, with a maximum grant of $500,000. The Executive Office of Transportation is distributing new grant application forms and will be assisting communities in applying.
