Massachusetts to provide $175 million for critical projects statewide

The commonwealth of Massachusetts will distribute $175 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for critical transportation, water, infrastructure and development projects statewide. The funds will support 159 projects across Massachusetts.

Massachusetts will direct $106.1 million toward transportation, infrastructure, community development and affordable housing projects. In addition, the commonwealth will allocate $47.6 million for clean drinking water and wastewater projects, $11 million for rural development and the remaining $9.8 million for justice and science projects.

The largest amount, $5 million, will go to the MetroWest YMCA in Ashland to build a regional Early Learning Center. The center will provide year-round license and accredited care and education, providing families with a safe space for children during the day. It will serve the communities of Ashland, Hopkinton, Holliston, Sherborn and Framingham.

The city of Springfield will use $4.6 million to design and build a modern drinking water treatment plant. Plans include building a dissolved air flotation facility, an electrical system, upgrading and expanding rapid sand filters and eliminating slow sand filters.

The town of Bernardston will receive $4.6 million to replace a 50-year-old fire station. The current station has inadequate space, storage issues and no dedicated areas for meetings or training. The lack of exhaust removal systems also exposes firefighters to hazardous pollutants. The replacement facility will provide the garage space needed for non-specialized vehicles that meet department needs.

The commonwealth will provide $4 million for the 1888 Building Project in Deerfield. The town will rehabilitate the 135-year-old, three-story brick building into a town municipal office. The project is a cornerstone of the town’s plan to develop a net-zero municipal-residential campus in the downtown area. Plans include converting the existing one-story town hall into a permanent senior center.

Other notable large awards include $4.1 million to upgrade the Springfield Union Station streetscape, $4.1 million for a fire station in Quincy and $3.6 million to rehabilitate the commuter/ADA access way at the Gallagher Intermodal Transportation Center in Lowell.

The commonwealth will provide $3.5 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair and improve the hurricane barrier around New Bedford and Fairhaven. An additional $3 million will allow Gloucester to upgrade its primary treatment Water Pollution Control Facility.

^{Strategic Partnerships, Inc.}^{can provide information on contract opportunities, plus existing and future government funding. For more information, contact}^{research@spartnerships.com}^.