MMA webinar covers new Build for Mass program

The MMA hosted a webinar on Sept. 29 on the new Build for Mass program, which offers flexible, low-cost lending for municipal clean energy, transportation, housing and economic development projects.

MassDevelopment launched Build for Mass this year after the Healey-Driscoll administration consulted with municipalities for two years to design the program.

Bob LaRocca, deputy director of the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office, and Jonathan Schrag, senior advisor for climate and energy at MassDevelopment, explained that Build for Mass has two programs: a General Loan Program and a Green Loan Program.

The General Loan Program provides low-cost loans for economic development and infrastructure projects supported by federal funding.

The Green Loan Program provides bridge loans for municipal clean energy projects that qualify for the federal Clean Electricity Tax Credit, providing cash up front equal to the expected IRS Section 48 tax credits.

The speakers emphasized that all Massachusetts communities are eligible to apply. Interested municipalities should submit a preapplication form for the General or Green loans.

MMA Senior Legislative Analyst Adrienne Núñez moderated 30 minutes of questions and answers, addressing inquiries regarding whether joint applications from multiple municipalities are allowed, examples of eligible projects, and whether town meeting authorization is required.

• Build for Mass: Flexible, low-cost lending for municipal infrastructure projects (600K PDF)