Press Release  Governor Healey Announces $1.5 Million in Grants for Local Infrastructure Projects

BOSTON — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced nearly $1.5 million in grant awards to advance local infrastructure projects and help Massachusetts communities compete for federal funding. Grants were awarded to transportation, clean energy and resilience projects in 30 communities across the state. 18 awards were made to rural communities, four to Gateway Cities and one to the tribal community of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). 

The awards were made via the Municipal and Tribal Technical Assistance (MTTA) program, administered by the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office (FFIO). The program supports technical assistance activities for projects that are seeking or have received federal funds.  

“These awards will not only help cities, towns and tribes deliver key projects and plan for future needs, they will also allow more communities to compete for federal dollars,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our administration has made it a priority to pursue every federal dollar available, and these grants will enable more communities to do so.” 

"Moving infrastructure projects forward starts with building local capacity,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “I know firsthand that local officials often have to balance many competing needs with limited resources, and these grants will give communities the tools they need to advance key projects. I look forward to seeing work get underway in communities across the state.”  

“Today’s awards will provide meaningful support to communities that are faced with significant infrastructure needs and strained resources,” said Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure Quentin Palfrey. “We created the MTTA program to move forward the projects that communities care about and build their capacity to receive federal support. I’m proud to see our latest round of funding go out the door into communities and look forward to seeing the impact of these resources.” 

“These grants will help local governments to make the most of every dollar as they compete for federal support,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This funding is aimed at crucial infrastructure projects, such as efforts to keep our drinking water healthy. While towns, cities, and tribal governments deal with significant headwinds from our nation’s economy, we have grants going out the door—thanks to the Healey-Driscoll Administration—to make life better.”

The MTTA program was enabled by legislation filed by Governor Healey, Chapter 214 of the Acts of 2024 (“An Act to Provide for Competitiveness and Infrastructure Investment in Massachusetts”) to support infrastructure projects in cities and towns across the state. Governor Healey filed the legislation as part of a comprehensive strategy to increase Massachusetts’ competitiveness for federal funding and empower local governments with more resources to advance infrastructure projects.

This round of Municipal and Tribal Technical Assistance awards was made to the following projects (*denotes that the community is designated as rural): 

1. Town of Ashburnham* - $50,000 for the town to identify and verify water service line materials in search of lead to comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), which regulates lead and copper in public drinking water systems. 
2.  Town of Bridgewater - $50,000 for the town to identify and verify water service line materials in search of lead to comply with EPA’s LCRI. 
3. Town of Cheshire* - $57,600 for the town to create a new accessible restroom at the Cheshire Community House where the town offices and assembly space are located by applying for a federally funded Community Block Development Grant.
4. City of Fall River* - $50,000 for the city to identify and verify water service line materials in search of lead to comply with EPA’s LCRI
5. Town of Falmouth - $50,000 for the town to identify and verify water service line materials in search of lead to comply with EPA’s LCRI.
6. Town of Granby* - $30,000 for the town to update its Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP), a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirement for communities to be eligible for certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance funding.   
7. Town of Granville* - $30,000 for the town to update its HMP. 
8. Town of Hadley* - $45,000 for the town to identify and verify water service line materials in search of lead to comply with EPA’s LCRI.
9. Town of Hampden* - $30,000 for the town to update its HMP.  
10. City of Holyoke* - $75,000 for the city to apply for Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) funding, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, for construction improvements to the municipality’s flood control pump stations 5 and 6. 
11. City of Lowell* - $50,000 for the city to identify and verify water service line materials in search of lead to comply with EPA’s LCRI.
12. Town of Marion* - $50,000 for the town to identify and verify water service line materials in search of lead to comply with EPA’s LCRI.
13. Metropolitan Area Planning Council* - $100,000 for the regional planning agency to build capacity to serve as regional coordinator and provide technical assistance to the cities of Gloucester and Revere, and potentially any future communities, with enrollment in the Community Rating Service (CRS), a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management practices, and advancing their climate resilience commitment, that exceed the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  
14. City of Methuen* - $50,000 for the city to identify and verify water service line materials in search of lead to comply with EPA’s LCRI.
15. Town of Middleborough* - $50,000 for the town to identify and verify water service line materials in search of lead to comply with EPA’s LCRI.
16. Town of Millis - $50,000 for the town to identify and verify water service line materials in search of lead to comply with EPA’s LCRI.
17. Town of Millville* - $30,000 for the town to update its HMP. 
18. Town of New Braintree* - $30,000 for the town to update its HMP.
19. City of North Adams - $25,000 for the city to update its HMP.
20. Town of North Attleborough - $49,999 for the town to identify and verify water service line materials in search of lead to comply with EPA’s LCRI.
21. North Dighton Fire District* - $50,000 for the water district to identify and verify water service line materials in search of lead to comply with EPA’s LCRI.
22. North Sagamore Water District* - $50,000 for the water district to identify and verify water service line materials in search of lead to comply with EPA’s LCRI.
23. Rowley Water Department* - $50,000 for the water department to identify and verify water service line materials in search of lead to comply with EPA’s LCRI.
24. Shirley Water District* - $50,000 for the water district to identify and verify water service line materials in search of lead to comply with EPA’s LCRI.
25. Town of Southampton* - $50,000 for the town to identify and verify water service line materials in search of lead to comply with EPA’s LCRI.
26. Templeton Municipal Light and Water Plant* - $23,000 for the town’s water department to identify and verify water service line materials in search of lead to comply with EPA’s LCRI.
27. Town of Walpole - $50,000 for the town to identify and verify water service line materials in search of lead to comply with EPA’s LCRI.
28. Town of West Brookfield* - $30,000 for the town to update its HMP. 
29. Town of Westminster* - $45,000 for the town to identify and verify water service line materials in search of lead to comply with EPA’s LCRI.
30. The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah)* - $65,153 for the Tribe to update its HMP and ensure traditional ecological knowledge and tribal community priorities will be incorporated throughout the process.

This is the fourth round of Municipal and Tribal Technical Assistance awards made by the FFIO, which has, in total, awarded $4,364,687 in MTTA grants to communities across Massachusetts. 

In less than four years, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has secured more than $9 billion in new federal grants to modernize infrastructure, improve transportation, expand broadband access, strengthen the economy, and drive innovation across every region of the state. Most recently, Massachusetts secured $130 million in federal funding to advance West-East rail through critical track infrastructure upgrades in Springfield. Learn more about how the Administration’s efforts to bring federal funds home to Massachusetts in its latest report.  

Statements of Support 

Senator Julian Cyr (D-Provincetown):

“The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) has a deep and enduring connection to their homeland on the southwestern tip of Martha’s Vineyard, and it’s essential that the Tribe’s knowledge and priorities guide efforts to prepare for the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. This funding will help the Tribe do just that, allowing for bolstered hazard mitigation planning that is rooted in the tribe’s values, concerns, and intimate relationship with the land. I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s support in helping to ensure the Tribe has the resources it needs to protect its community for generations to come.”

Senator Lydia Edwards (D-Boston):

“I'm proud to see Revere selected for this important investment in climate resilience. As a coastal community, Revere knows firsthand the challenges that flooding poses to families, businesses, and neighborhoods. This funding will help the city strengthen its floodplain management, pursue Community Rating System enrollment, and unlock long-term benefits for residents through greater resilience and potential savings on flood insurance. Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for making this important investment in the City Revere to help ensure our communities have the tools they need to best prepare for the future."

Senator Ryan Fattman (R-Webster):

“Ensuring that our communities are prepared for the unexpected is an utmost priority. This $30,000 grant will help Millville invest in its future and its ability to prepare for potential hazards. Updating the Hazard Mitigation Plan will assist in identifying risks, reinforce community resilience, and guarantee Millville remains eligible for certain types of federal disaster assistance. I am pleased to see resources like these empowering our local communities and supporting Millville to plan for the future.”

Senator Pavel M. Payano (D-Lawrence)

“This $50,000 investment will help Methuen take an important step toward identifying potential lead risks in its drinking water infrastructure. Knowing where these risks exist is essential to addressing them and protecting the health of our residents. I thank the Governor Healey Administration for providing our communities with the resources to take this important work forward.”

Senator Paul R. Feeney (D-North Attleborough)

“Every family in Massachusetts deserves to know their drinking water is safe, and investments like this help communities such as North Attleborough take proactive steps to keep it that way. I am grateful to the Town of North Attleborough and Town Manager Michael Borg for their steadfast partnership, and to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office for their continued commitment to supporting clean drinking water in every corner of the Commonwealth.”

Senator Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow)

"Preparing for emergencies and protecting our communities starts with thoughtful planning. This $60,000 investment will help Granby and Hampden update their Hazard Mitigation Plans, identify potential risks, and strengthen their ability to respond to future natural disasters. Just as importantly, it will help ensure Granby and Hampden remain eligible for critical federal funding when they need it most. I thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for recognizing the importance of providing our smaller communities with the resources they need to plan for a safer, more resilient future."

Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield)

“Making sure our communities have the resources they need to address local challenges is a big part of the work we do at the state level. This funding will help Holyoke take important steps to strengthen its flood control infrastructure and help Southampton identify potential lead in its water service lines. These are important investments in the safety and well-being of our residents, and I’m glad to see both communities receiving this support. I thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office for working to make these resources available to our communities.”

Representative John Barrett III (D-North Adams):

“I'd like to thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for funding two important projects located in Cheshire and North Adams in the First Berkshire District. The Municipal and Tribal Technical Assistance Grant helps support these towns in advancing critical infrastructure and economic development projects."

Representative Carole Fiola (D-Fall River):

“Leveraging federal dollars and investing back into our communities is critical. Fall River has been working to improve our water service lines and this funding helps bring us one step closer to that goal.”

Representative Jessica Ann Giannino (D-Revere):

“Protecting Revere from the impacts of flooding has long been a priority of mine, and I know how important it is that we continue investing in solutions that make a real difference for our residents. This funding will give our city additional resources and expertise to build on the work already underway, identify opportunities for improvement, and take meaningful steps toward protecting homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. I appreciate the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s continued partnership and recognition of the unique challenges facing our coastal communities.”

Representative Tara Hong (D-Lowell):

“Investing in our water infrastructure is an investment in the health and future of Lowell. This $50,000 grant will help the city identify potential lead service lines and better plan the work needed to protect our neighborhoods. I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office for supporting this important step toward safe, reliable drinking water for every Lowell family.”

Representative Kristin Kassner (D-Hamilton):

"Our communities are working hard to provide clean water for their residents. I am grateful to the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office and the Healey-Driscoll administration for understanding our struggles with water infrastructure and providing the support Rowley needs to ensure they can provide the water our residents need while preserving our precious resources and our rivers."

Representative Paul McMurtry (D-Dedham):

“Access to safe, clean drinking water is essential to the health and well-being of every resident. This award will help the Town of Walpole identify and verify water service line materials, determine where lead may be present, and take important steps toward protecting public health. By supporting this work, we help the Town of Walpole meet the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements requirements while building a safer, healthier future for our community.”

Representative Thomas W. Moakley (D-Falmouth):

“I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll administration and the FFIO for this important grant award to the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). Hazard Mitigation Plans are essential to securing federal disaster relief and due to climate change the Island is at greater risk than ever.”

Representative Steve Ouellette (D-Westport):

“I’m very pleased that the Governor and her administration continue to provide much needed funding to the communities I represent. Her commitment to the South coast region is appreciated.”

Representative Danillo A. Sena (D-Acton):

“Everyone deserves access to clean and healthy drinking water. This money will ensure that by looking for lead in Shirley's water lines. I thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their leadership in securing these funds and promoting safe drinking water for all."

Representative Marcus Vaughn (R-Wrentham):

“Ensuring our residents have safe, clean drinking water is a top priority. This $50,000 grant will help the Town of Walpole take an important step in identifying and addressing potential lead service lines, protecting public health for families across our community. I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office for supporting this critical work.”

Representative Steven G. Xiarhos (R-Barnstable):

“This $50,000 grant is a direct investment in local infrastructure and the health and safety of our community. Identifying and verifying water service line materials is a critical step in detecting potential lead risks, protecting our families and children, and ensuring our residents have confidence in the safety of their drinking water. By helping the North Sagamore Water District meet federal requirements and identify potential concerns, this funding will strengthen our ability to protect public health, address risks before they become bigger problems, and safeguard our community for the future. Investing in safe drinking water is an investment in our people, and I thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office for directing these resources to a critical local priority.”

Lizzi Wyant, Executive Director, Metropolitan Area Planning Council:

“MAPC is honored to receive this grant and to partner with Gloucester and Revere in making our communities safer and more climate resilient. FEMA's Community Rating System program will build on the already great work these two cities are doing in the areas of hazard mitigation planning and emergency preparedness. We are most excited that this will also mean real relief from the financial burdens brought by higher flood insurance premiums for residents in our region. MAPC is looking forward to serving as a regional voice for potentially expanding this work to other communities in the future."

Mayor Paul Lundberg, City of Gloucester:

“This grant is an important investment in Gloucester’s ability to prepare for and respond to the impacts of flooding. We are grateful to MAPC for their dedication to building and strengthening regional flood management, and to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for supporting this work and recognizing the importance of helping coastal communities become more resilient.”

Mayor Erik R. Gitschier, City of Lowell:

“On behalf of the Lowell City Council we are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Federal Funds & Infrastructure Office for this award. Protecting the health and safety of our residents is one of our most important responsibilities. This investment is an important step towards safeguarding every Lowell household to have access to safe, clean drinking water.”

Mayor Jennifer A. Macksey, City of North Adams:

“The City of North Adams is thrilled and grateful to receive this funding to support the update of our Hazard Mitigation Plan. This investment will help us strengthen our community’s preparedness and resilience while ensuring we are better equipped to respond to future challenges. Awards like this highlight the importance of strong partnerships and continued collaboration between municipal and state government. I sincerely appreciate this support and the commitment to helping communities like North Adams plan for a safer, more resilient future.”

Justin Casanova-Davis, Town Administrator, Town of Bridgewater:

“The Town of Bridgewater is deeply appreciative of the continued collaboration with the Massachusetts Federal Funds & Infrastructure Office (FFIO) at the Executive Office for Administration & Finance (EOAF) and the Healey-Driscoll Administration. Our continued partnership continues to allow Bridgewater to make significant improvements to our water infrastructure. We look forward to utilizing these funds to support the work the Town does in addressing lead lines in our community.”

Ralph A. Vitacco, Town Administrator, Town of Dighton:

“On behalf of the North Dighton Fire District, the Town of Dighton is pleased to receive FIFO’s Municipal and Tribal Technical Assistance Grant. We are grateful for the continued support of the Healey-Driscoll Administration for the Town, its first responders, and our ongoing efforts to strengthen the fire service.”

Thomas A. Golden Jr., City Manager, City of Lowell:

“The City of Lowell is grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Federal Funds & Infrastructure Office for this $50,000 award to support our Lead Service Line Replacement Program. This funding will help advance our efforts to identify and replace lead service lines, protect public health, and ensure safe, reliable drinking water for our residents. The City appreciates the Commonwealth’s partnership in helping Lowell make critical water infrastructure improvements and work toward the goal of eliminating lead service lines throughout our community."  

Peter D. Caruso, Town Administrator, Town of Millville:

“With this grant award the Town of Millville will be able to update its Hazard Mitigation Plan, scheduled to expire in December 2027. The plan update will help assess current and emerging natural hazards facing Millville, evaluate and identify vulnerabilities across critical infrastructure in town, and identify mitigation actions that will reduce risk while ensuring compliance with current FEMA HMP standards. The Town is very fortunate to be receiving these financial resources to accomplish this important update as Millville is a small, rural community (pop. 3,174) with limited municipal staff and no dedicated emergency management personnel or funding to otherwise accomplish this update.”

North Dighton Fire District:

“The North Dighton Fire District is extremely grateful to the Commonwealth for this $50,000 grant. As a small water district with limited resources, funding opportunities like this make a significant difference. This grant will allow us to move forward with identifying water service line materials, improving the accuracy of our service line inventory, and meeting regulatory requirements without placing the entire financial burden on our customers. We appreciate the Commonwealth's recognition of the challenges smaller water systems face and its commitment to helping us maintain a safe and reliable water supply.”

Stephen Nunnery, Sewer and Water Superintendent, Town of Walpole:

“The Town of Walpole Water Department is grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office for this $50,000 grant. This funding builds on the proactive steps taken by our Select Board to support a more complete and accurate lead service line inventory. It will help us plan the field investigations needed to determine unknown service line materials and guide future improvements to our water system. We appreciate this support as we continue working to protect public health and provide safe drinking water for our residents.”

Drew Buckley, Superintendent, North Sagamore Water District:

“We are extremely grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the FFIO for this $50,000 grant. These funds will make a big difference in helping us verify our unknown service lines quickly and efficiently, ensuring our community continues to have safe, reliable drinking water.”
 

Mark L. Hollowell, Director of Public Works, Town of North Attleborough:

“North Attleborough has long been committed to the removal of lead services from our drinking water system.  We appreciate FFIO's Municipal and Tribal Technical Assistance (MTTA) grant program for selecting North Attleborough for funding of this important project.”

Joshua W. Hall, Director of Public Works, Town of Westminster:

“We are grateful to the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office for this critical technical assistance award. This $45,000 grant will provide Westminster with the specialized GIS and technical support needed to validate unknown water service line materials, improve our asset management workflows, and position the Town to pursue future federal drinking water infrastructure funding.”

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