By KENNEDY GRIFFIN
(Boston, MA) As part of the 2023 Community One Stop for Growth program, $4,958,995 million is awarded to 25 projects in communities across the state from the Rural and Small Town Development Fund.
“The Community One Stop for Growth application portal provides a front door for 12 state programs that exist to help communities tackle local economic development projects,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Among those programs, the Rural and Small Town Development Fund is delivering nearly $5 million across 25 communities this year to support high-impact capital and community planning projects in many of our smallest and most rural towns.”
Rural and Small Town Development Fund supports projects in communities with less than 7,000 residents or low density communities. In Franklin County, Buckland, Charlemont, Erving, Leverett, Montague, and Whately all were awarded funds for various community development projects totaling over $1 million.
Buckland: $113,000 for a community wood bank to serve as fuel assistance
Charlemont: $395,500 for a road reconstruction project
Erving: $330,000 to replace two culverts
Leverett: $130,000 for Dudleyville Road project
Montague: $150,000 for a “comprehensive feasibility study to locate and plan for a biosolids composting facility, either local or regional in scale”
Whately: $58,950 for planning the completion of Egypt Road water main loop
“The Rural and Small Town Development Fund provides a resource for our smaller communities to address a range of local priorities to support growth,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Here in Lenox, funds will help the town begin an important sewer expansion project to support new affordable housing, advance long-term growth opportunities, and move neighborhood homes off aging septic systems.”
“We are thrilled to support our small and rural communities in their efforts to address local infrastructure and set the stage for economic growth,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “These grant awards create a tremendous opportunity for communities to leverage state funding to accomplish local goals, enhance neighborhoods, and welcome new residents with more housing options.”
“The Rural and Small Town Development Fund is part of DHCD’s diverse portfolio of financial and technical assistance resources to support a variety of community development activities,” said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox. “We are excited to advance these 25 projects in our smaller communities where roadway, sewer, and other small infrastructure projects can unlock substantial housing and business opportunities for residents.”
“Grant opportunities like the Rural and Small Town Development Fund are lifelines for our communities when it comes to addressing their most pressing needs,” said Representative Smitty Pignatelli. “The commitment of Sec. Kennealy and the Baker Administration to support our rural areas has been evident throughout their time in office, and it has been wonderful to see how towns in my district – and across the Commonwealth – have benefited from programs like this.”
“We are really grateful to the Commonwealth for partnering with Town on these important planning and infrastructure opportunities,” said Lenox Town Manager Christopher J. Ketchen. “These two projects will work in tandem to both plan for infrastructure needs and unlock additional potential within our community.”