1Berkshire Receives Regional Economic Development Organization Grant

08:20AM / Friday, February 10, 2023Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 1Berkshire announced that it is the recipient of a $295,000 grant award through the Regional Economic Development Organization (REDO) grant program.

This funding is made available because of statewide investments made by the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) and the support of the Berkshire County Legislative Delegation.

The funding from the REDO grant will help to sustain the ongoing work of the 1Berkshire Economic Development team's support of small businesses, implementation efforts associated with the Berkshire Blueprint 2.0, and the ongoing regional efforts to bolster the Berkshire economy. Additionally, as part of this year's grant, 1Berkshire received funding to support a series of five distinct collaborative, regional economic development projects through the competitive application process. These projects include:

Year two of the Best Foot Forward Facade Improvement Micro-Grant Program: This effort, piloted in 2022, will again provide a series of one-time micro-grants to first-floor business storefronts to support investment in non-construction aesthetic improvements. Applications are now open for this program and found at http://bit.ly/3XmC0sl
"Insert Here" Vacant Window Art Program: This pilot program will provide up to three organizations or municipalities with a sub-award grant of $5,000 to fund the commissioning and installation of printed vinyl artwork in vacant storefront windows to help draw attention to available commercial space and add to downtown beautification. Applications are now open for this program and found at http://bit.ly/3kp1ff0
Berkshire Innovation Center North Pilot Programming: This funding will support the piloting of programming and activities associated with extending the reach of the Berkshire Innovation Center into a northern Berkshire presence.
Small Business Resource Expo: The Small Business Resource Expo, that was first held in 2022, will be held again.
GreylockWORKS Lighting and Signage: In an effort to support the ongoing development of GreylockWORKS, this project will support the production and installation of signage and lighting elements that allow for improved user experience and navigation of the North Adams multi-purpose, mixed-use complex and on-site events.

Tags: 1Berkshire,

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

Save & Earn with Greylock

3.30% APY 6-month certificate. Click to learn more! Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

State Wins $130M to Advance West-East Rail

03:03PM / Saturday, October 17, 2026

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Some $130 million in federal monies is being invested into passenger rail along the so-called Knowledge Corridor and for laying the groundwork to establish West-East Rail from Albany, N.Y., to Boston.

The funding for the Springfield Hub Modernization Project was announced on Friday by Gov. Maura Healey, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey and U.S. Reps. Richard Neal and James McGovern.

The project is part of the state's Compass Rail vision, centered on Springfield Union Station and building on existing Amtrak Vermonter, Hartford Line and Valley Flyer service.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation was awarded the funding through the Federal Railroad Administration's Fiscal Years 2025-2026 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant program to support modernization of the rail infrastructure around Springfield Union Station.

"This is a major win for Western Massachusetts and a big step forward for West-East Rail," said Healey in a statement. "This $130 million investment in Springfield will help us improve transportation, reduce congestion and connect more communities to jobs, housing and economic opportunity. I'm grateful to Senators Markey and Warren, Congressmen Neal and McGovern, and all of our partners for helping us secure this critical funding and move us closer to expanded passenger rail service across Massachusetts."

The project will upgrade tracks, signals and other infrastructure to address a major rail bottleneck, reduce conflicts between freight and passenger trains, and allow more efficient operations and expanded rail service. This work is expected to improve on-time performance, reduce delays and provide more schedule flexibility for Amtrak Vermonter and Valley Flyer passengers. The project will also create capacity for future passenger rail service while reducing unnecessary train idling, emissions and operating costs.

"Building West-East rail is a once-in a-lifetime investment to connect Massachusetts' communities and our regional economies like never before. It will mean lower costs, less congestion, and access to opportunity for families across the state," said Markey. "I'm proud to have secured this $130 million in federal funding alongside Governor Healey, Senator Warren, Congressman Neal and Congressman McGovern, bringing our total federal investment to more than $280 million to date, which will build the track to this more affordable, cleaner, better connected future."

View Full Story