Florida, Pittsfield Get $1.6M in MassWorks Grants
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Left out of the running in this round was the Greylock Glen project in Adams, although the development was awarded $2 million in funding for infrastructure work last month.
The new grants bring the state's total investment in MassWorks to nearly $61 million, supporting thousands of jobs in Massachusetts communities, according to administration officials. Through these grants, the state will partner with cities and towns to support housing developments, infrastructure investments, road safety and downtown revitalization projects.
"Our administration has made historic investments to help communities improve their infrastructure and create jobs," said Gov. Deval Patrick. "The MassWorks Infrastructure Program is a great example of our how we can stimulate local economies and support projects that will benefit communities for generations to come."
The town of Florida will receive $528,000 to improve two sections of River Road, which serve both residents and tourists along the Deerfield River and is a rural connector that supports motorists throughout the region. This project has been identified as a regional priority by the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission.
Pittsfield will receive $1.1 million toward the McKay Street Parking Garage to promote continued business development and downtown revitalization, including downtown housing development. The total MassWorks program investment in this project is $3.6 million. The project has been identified as a regional priority in the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission's regional plan, and the city has committed $2 million toward construction costs.
MassWorks is administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and represents a consolidation of six capital budget programs, giving communities a single entry point and one set of requirements for the state's public infrastructure grants. The consolidation created efficiencies and streamlined the decision-making process, increasing access for municipalities and enhancing partnerships around economic development and housing.
The first competitive MassWorks grant round was held this September, bringing in 158 applications for more than $400 million in infrastructure grants submitted by cities and towns from across the state. Applications were reviewed for consistency with the program's priorities, including readiness to proceed with construction and the state's sustainable development principles.
The funds include $2.5 million to Pittsfield for improvements to the McKay Street parking garage and $2 million to Adams to construct roads at the Greylock Glen. Berkshire municipalities will also be getting more local aid.
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