Governor Charlie Baker recently announced the opening of the ninth annual MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant award round. This is an opportunity for Age-Friendly communities that have identified built environment projects in their goals.
The 2019 MassWorks grant round will fund projects that empower transformative housing and development that support the long-term vitality of Massachusetts, with a particular focus on projects that enable the production of multi-family housing in mixed-use, transit-serviced districts, and projects that spur economic development in struggling communities.
The MassWorks Infrastructure Program is a competitive grant program that provides the largest and most flexible source of capital funds to municipalities and other eligible public entities for public infrastructure projects that support and accelerate housing production, spur private development, and create jobs throughout the Commonwealth. In addition, the Program supports municipalities with a population of 7,000 or less that may seek grants for roadway improvements to enhance public safety.
“Our Administration recognizes the important role public infrastructure plays in maintaining and improving the safety, connectivity and economic strength of the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Over the last four years, MassWorks funding has helped address these needs and unlock private investment toward housing and job growth. I encourage communities to submit proposals for transformative projects in the 2019 grant round.”
“As former municipal leaders, Governor Baker and I believe strongly in empowering communities to address the unique challenges they face,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.“MassWorks’ flexibility is the hallmark of the program, and has allowed our Administration to support local leaders in solving their most pressing infrastructure needs while delivering new homes and jobs that ensure our Commonwealth’s continued economic strength.”
The 2018 MassWorks round yielded 107 applicants, with 39 grant awards announced totaling over $80 million in 37 communities. These awards are expected to leverage $2.9 billion in private investment, drive an anticipated 4,000 units of new housing, and over 9,000 full time jobs.