Administration awards $1.1M for local infrastructure projects

The Healey-Driscoll administration on April 14 announced $1.1 million in grant awards for local infrastructure projects through the Municipal and Tribal Technical Assistance grant program, administered by the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office.

The program provides technical assistance for projects that have received or are pursuing federal funding. The Federal Funds Office said communities across the state made it clear that more technical assistance is needed to advance key infrastructure projects.

Bernardston Town Administrator Karen Kelly expressed appreciation for the state’s investment in small communities.

“This funding will allow us to work with our regional partners to assess local risks, strengthen community resilience, and ensure Bernardston remains eligible for critical federal mitigation resources,” she said in a prepared statement.

Leverett Town Administrator Marjorie McGinnis said the grant allows the town to update its All Hazards Mitigation Plan, “something we have had in place for many years but have had to let expire in December 2025 due to a change in funding avenues. … Without grants, we could not have plans such as this in place.”

Receiving Municipal and Tribal Technical Assistance Awards, ranging from $28,000 to $200,000, were Barnstable, Bernardston, Charlton, Chelmsford, Cohasset, Colrain, Dighton, Fall River, Hubbardston, Leverett, Lincoln, Medfield, Newbury, New Salem, Northbridge, Rockport, Royalston, Rutland, Stockbridge, Sutton, Upton, Uxbridge, Wareham, Wayland, and Weston.

New Salem Town Coordinator Emily Hill thanked the administration for their partnership, adding that, as a small rural community, New Salem “lacks the means and resources to maintain and update our Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.”

“This grant will allow us to identify risks, strengthen our resilience, and better protect our residents, infrastructure, and natural resources,” she said.

More information is available online.