WEST SPRINGFIELD – Governor Deval Patrick on Friday announced that 38 cities and towns across the Commonwealth will receive $31 million in federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to support housing rehabilitation, public service projects and local infrastructure.
“When we invest in infrastructure projects in our communities, we put people to work and leave a better Commonwealth for the next generation,” said Patrick. “We thank the Obama administration and our Congressional delegation for their continued commitment to investing in our future.”
The Commonwealth’s largest available resource for neighborhood revitalization projects, the CDBG helps meet the housing and public service needs of low- and moderate-income communities while building and repairing infrastructure vital to the health and safety of all residents.
These infrastructure projects help communities create and maintain jobs while providing important improvements to the lives of residents in each city and town. Historically, 40 percent of CDBG funds distributed have been used for these job-creating projects.
Funding for the program, which will be administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will be distributed by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to cities and towns in Massachusetts with populations of less than 50,000. Eligible communities with populations greater than 50,000 receive program funding directly from HUD.
Communities may apply for CDBG funding for activities which include housing rehabilitation projects, infrastructure repair or replacement, construction or rehabilitation of public facilities, neighborhood improvement projects, economic development loans and other business assistance programs, social service upgrades, downtown improvement projects and architectural barrier removal and planning. The maximum grant for a single community is $900,000. Regional applications are accepted.
“The Community Development Block Grants are critical for improving the quality of our municipalities,” said Undersecretary for DHDC Aaron Gornstein. “Not only will this funding revitalize communities by spurring economic development, but it will also create jobs throughout Massachusetts.
The grants have enjoyed strong support from the Bay State’s congressional representation in Washington, as well.
“Community Development Block Grants provide vital support for cities and towns across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “These grants will help working families and small businesses, and encourage economic development. I’m committed to fighting in Washington to preserve and strengthen this critical program, and will continue to support efforts to revitalize communities throughout Massachusetts.”
“We will strengthen lives and families as we strengthen neighborhoods throughout the Commonwealth with these CDBG grants,” said Senator Edward Markey. “This important funding will create and support jobs rebuilding homes and businesses and will help our local governments revitalize their communities.”
“As a former Mayor, I know how important CDBG funding is for cities and towns across Massachusetts,” said Congressman Richard Neal. “The program is an effective tool that allows communities to invest in their future. Without this federal assistance, many public projects that help improve the quality of life for the residents of our state would never be initiated. I am certain that this $31 million will encourage additional economic development and help create jobs.”
Chester and Russell will receive over $1.6 million in aid.
Chester is set to receive $587,611 for roadway and sidewalk improvements on Maple Avenue and Maple Street.
Russell will receive $1 million, to be shared with Chester and Middlefield.
Russell ‘s share will be spent on housing rehabilitation efforts for five units in the town, along with water improvements on Pine Hill Road.
“Obviously, these grants are very important to the southern hilltowns,” said Senior Developer of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, Erica Johnson. “A lot of these towns struggle to meet basic needs, and these programs are essential for providing for their residents.”
“(Middlefield) is replacing a roof on their senior center with the funds,” she said. “There are water projects, road projects. These are big ticket items, items that these towns can’t afford out of their own pockets.”
