The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Highway Division has announced updates to its Grant Central portal, which serves as a central hub for municipal grant programs. The updates include the introduction of two new grant programs and the implementation of a Fully Integrated Application (FIA), designed to simplify the funding request process for municipalities.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll emphasized the importance of Grant Central, stating, “Grant Central is a game-changer for municipal leaders. It’s a one-stop shop for leaders to find out what grant programs they have available to them and as a former mayor, I’m thrilled that we’re making it easier for municipal leaders to deliver for their communities.” She added that the administration is committed to helping all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts thrive through these new grants and application systems.
Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver noted that since its inception, Grant Central has been instrumental in directing resources to communities across the state. “With the addition of two new grant programs and by raising the cap on construction funding, Grant Central takes that standard for how we support all 351 cities and towns to completely new heights,” he said.
The newly introduced Community Culverts Program provides funding for culvert modernization and improvements, while the Unpaved Roads Program focuses on maintaining dirt and gravel roads throughout Massachusetts. Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper highlighted the need for such infrastructure upgrades due to expected increases in rainfall. “This added funding and streamlined application will make it much easier for cities and towns to get the support they need,” she said.
Grant Central manages eight municipal grant programs, including Chapter 90 Program, Complete Streets Funding Program, Shared Streets and Spaces Program, Municipal Pavement Program, Municipal Small Bridge Program, Local Bottleneck Reduction Program, Community Culverts Program, and Unpaved Roads Program. The FIA consolidates applications into one form that adapts based on user inputs.
Municipalities can apply for design support up to $150,000 or $1 million in construction funding per project. Equipment and materials grants are also available up to $250,000. Applications open on November 6, 2025, closing on January 9, 2026.
For more information about MassDOT’s municipal grants visit: https://madothway.my.site.com/GrantCentral/s/
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