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. 

 

Build for Mass will offer two loan programs, General and Green.

 

General Loans are to help municipalities bridge financing gaps for federally funded infrastructure projects, including neighborhood revitalization, seawalls, and other community improvements. The Green Loans provide bridge financing for municipal clean energy projects that qualify for the federal Direct Pay program, enabling cities and towns to receive tax credit reimbursements for eligible projects. Qualifying projects include battery energy storage and ground-source heat pump systems that lower energy costs and improve energy efficiency. 

 

As loans are repaid, the funds will be reinvested into future projects, creating a sustainable financing tool expected to support in multiple rounds of municipal infrastructure investments over the next 20 years. Applications are expected to open later in 2026.

 

Build for Mass is funded through $50 million from the Commonwealth Federal Match and Debt Reduction Fund, established through legislation proposed by Healey to help Massachusetts compete for federal funding. The program also includes an additional $25 million from the Department of Energy Resources, in partnership with the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, to support clean energy projects and lower long-term energy costs.  

 

"Build for Mass gives communities a flexible new financing tool to move critical projects forward faster, from downtown revitalization to clean energy investments," said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. "By helping cities and towns bridge funding gaps and leverage federal resources, this program will strengthen local economies, create opportunities for businesses, and make Massachusetts more competitive for years to come." 

 

Adam Chapdelaine, the MMA's executive director and CEO, said municipalities are excited about the program. 

 

"This program is an excellent example of the commonwealth's leaders working in partnership to deliver innovative programming that will offer support for communities to secure the financing needed to address critical infrastructure projects," he said. "We applaud the Legislature and the teams at FFIO and MassDevelopment for launching this initiative, and look forward to the many projects this financing option will support."