BOSTON — A $75 million initiative to aid municipalities in tackling major projects was announced by Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll on Tuesday. 

 

Build for Mass, a revolving loan fund, was launched by the Healey-Driscoll administration to help cities and towns finance critical infrastructure, clean energy, climate resilience, and economic development projects. 

 

Administered by MassDevelopment, Build for Mass is the first municipal infrastructure loan program of its kind in Massachusetts, providing flexible, low-interest financing that helps communities move projects forward faster while maximizing available federal funding opportunities. 

 

Driscoll made the announcement at the Massachusetts Municipal Association's meeting of the Local Government Advisory Commission, an independent group that advocates for the interests of local governments in their relations with state and federal governments.  

 

"Cities and towns know what projects their communities need, but too often they face financial barriers that slow those projects down," said Gov. Maura Healey. "Build for Mass gives communities another tool to repair aging infrastructure, lower energy costs, strengthen local economies and bring more federal dollars home to Massachusetts. We're making state investments go further while helping communities move important projects from the drawing board to construction without raising taxes or fees." 

 

Driscoll, former mayor of Salem, said she knows how difficult it is to move important infrastructure projects forward when financing isn't readily available.

 

"Build for Mass gives local leaders the flexibility they need to bridge funding gaps, keep projects on track and deliver results for their residents. It's another example of our administration working alongside cities and towns to solve real challenges," she said.