Baker-Polito Administration Opens Fifth Annual Round of MassWorks Infrastructure Awards

BOSTON – June 9, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito announced today the opening of the fifth annual round of the MassWorks Infrastructure Program. The competitive grant program invests in local infrastructure projects that leverage housing production and job creation across the Commonwealth.

“Our administration is committed to partnering with cities and towns, and MassWorks infrastructure grants are a critical component of that partnership,” said Governor Baker. “We look forward to continuing to make strategic investments in our communities.”

“We are building a healthy, stable, and competitive economic environment in Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Polito. “This round of MassWorks awards will be one more tool to help communities unlock economic growth.”

“I’ve seen firsthand the power of public infrastructure projects in leveraging private investment,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “MassWorks grants are a vital tool for helping cities and towns prepare for growth. We look forward to a dynamic round of project applications that add to the economic vitality of the Commonwealth.”

The MassWorks Infrastructure Program provides a one-stop shop for municipalities and other eligible public entities seeking funding to support housing, economic development, and job creation. MassWorks grants fund public infrastructure projects that leverage private sector investments. The program also supports municipalities with a population of 7,000 or less that may seek grants for roadway improvements to enhance safety.

The 2015 grant round will support housing or commercial growth opportunities that contribute to the long-term strength and sustainability of Massachusetts, with a particular emphasis on projects that support the production of multi-family housing in appropriately located mixed-use districts, and projects that support economic development in weak or distressed areas. The MassWorks program encourages municipalities to apply with projects that have been well planned, exhibit prompt and predictable permitting, and have implemented zoning that supports future growth.

Additionally, the 2015 MassWorks grant round will take into consideration those communities that have entered into a Community Compact.

Reference materials round and an electronic application for the 2015 MassWorks grants will be available online beginning June 8, 2015, giving public entities a 12-week head start to gather the information they need in order to submit their applications between August 24th and September 4th. A copy of the 2015 application, guidelines, FAQs and other relevant materials are available at http://mass.gov/hed/massworks. Applicants will have access to previous MassWorks grant round submissions, making reapplying easier. All decisions will be rendered within approximately eight weeks after the September 4th application deadline.

In total, MassWorks Infrastructure Program has invested over $264 million to over 131 infrastructure improvement projects across the Commonwealth.

To learn more about the MassWorks Infrastructure Program and how it is supporting job growth and long-term, sustainable economic development, please visit: http://mass.gov/hed/massworks.

Media Contact

Paul McMorrow (HED) – paul.mcmorrow (at) state.ma (dot) us
Kristen Sabella (HED) – Kristen.j.sabella (at) state.ma (dot) us