BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced $8.45 million has been awarded to 24 communities as part of the Fiscal Year 2022 Round Two grants for the Complete Streets Funding Program. 

 

Otis received $203,062.00 for the installation of new sidewalks, benches, picnic tables, bicycle racks, and six new radar speed feedback signs at various locations.

 

These grant awards will be used by recipient municipalities to fund local multimodal infrastructure projects that improve travel for bicyclists, pedestrians, public transit users, and people using other forms of transportation. This is the twelfth overall grant round for this program.

 

"The Complete Streets Funding Program has now awarded $69.5 million in total funding through 214 grant awards since 2016 to support municipalities in their ongoing efforts to improve their transportation infrastructure, build safe, convenient and easily accessible transportation networks," said Governor Charlie Baker. "This program continues to advance mobility, connectivity and economic development opportunities throughout the Commonwealth."

 

A "Complete Street" is one that enables safe, convenient, and comfortable travel for users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation. Administered by MassDOT, the Complete Streets Funding Program aims to teach communities about Complete Streets and encourage the integration of Complete Streets into regular local planning practices. Since its launch in 2016, 240 municipalities have worked through the program to adopt a local Complete Streets policy and 214 have advanced even further to develop an approved Complete Streets Prioritization Plan. A representative from each municipality registered with the program also attends a training course to learn about Complete Streets.

 

"Complete Streets provide important opportunities for communities to achieve their unique transit needs and goals," said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. "Programs like this support safe connectivity and increased economic activity throughout neighborhoods and we look forward to continuing to work with cities and towns to support local projects." 

 

Municipalities may apply for up to $400,000 in construction project funding in one application. Examples of project elements that can be implemented through the program include sidewalks, multimodal paths, bicycle lanes, improved street lighting, and pedestrian signalization at crosswalks or intersections.