Kerry, Kennedy Announce $15.2 Million for Massachusetts’ Community Development Programs

BOSTON, MA – July 17, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy today announced that Massachusetts will receive $15,201,451 in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The funding will be used for the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Program. CDBG is a critical part of the Federal government’s efforts to help more cities, urban areas, and states meet the needs of low- and moderate-income communities. CDBG – an important tool for helping local governments tackle serious challenges facing their communities – funds a wide range of activities, including homeownership assistance, housing rehabilitation, public improvements, public services, and economic development projects.

26 Massachusetts communities will receive a portion of the funding.

“This investment is a lifeline for Mayors struggling with busted budgets to help thousands of low- to moderate-income families get back on their feet. This money means jobs, housing, and infrastructure help where it’s needed most,” said Senator Kerry.

“Mayors across Massachusetts are on the front lines every day, struggling to create new jobs in their cities and attract capital investment. They work hard to protect their cities and citizens from the devastating impact of the current recession, and they need all the help they can get. These funds are essential to communities throughout our state, and I’m delighted that HUD is stepping up to the plate to provide this urgently needed support,” said Senator Kennedy.

The funding will be distributed to the following communities:

Arlington                  $348,928

Boston                       $5,366,011

Brockton                   $398,596

Brookline                  $436,204

Fall River                  $805,818

Fitchburg                  $312,948

Framingham             $143,643

Gloucester                $212,436

Haverhill                   $282,868

Leominster               $137,704

Lowell                        $639,803

Lynn                           $675,437

Malden                      $416,120

Medford                     $468,454

Newton                      $603,513

Northampton           $201,513

Peabody                      $124,662

Pittsfield                    $401,213

Plymouth                  $106,390

Quincy                       $554,366

Salem                         $305,977

Somerville                $772,044

Springfield                $1,111,756

Westfield                     $120,127

Weymouth                  $217,173

Yarmouth                    $37,747

CONTACT: Boston Press, 617-565-8252