The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has announced the allocation of $6.8 million to 34 municipalities and two Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) under the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Shared Streets and Spaces Program. This initiative aims to assist cities and towns in Massachusetts with projects that enhance curbs, streets, and parking areas to promote public health, safe mobility, and community revitalization.
Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt expressed pride in delivering the funding, stating that the program helps communities create safer and more connected streets for all modes of transportation. “These quick-build projects are not just about infrastructure; they’re about improving daily life, supporting local businesses, and making neighborhoods more vibrant and accessible for the people who call them home,” she said.
Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver highlighted the program’s role in reimagining roadways across the state. Lowell City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr., noted that a grant will help improve pedestrian access to the Lowell Community Health Center. Hingham Town Engineer JR Frey emphasized how their grant would support economic development by enhancing access in Hingham’s Historic Downtown.
Merrimack Valley Transit Deputy Administrator Niorka Méndez-Almonte mentioned that their investments aim to improve quality of life by strengthening connections between public transit and essential locations. Montachusett Regional Transit Authority Administrator Bruno Fisher praised the administration’s support for infrastructure improvements that benefit transit riders.
Carlisle Town Administrator Ryan McClane pointed out that their project will create safe pathways benefiting various community members. New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell acknowledged how enhancements in pedestrian safety align with broader city investments.
The program encourages swift implementation of projects aimed at improving public spaces such as plazas, sidewalks, curbs, streets, bus stops, and parking areas. The funding round includes awards ranging from $15,000 to $250,000 for various cities and towns including Boston, Salem, Taunton, Watertown among others.
Since its inception in 2020, the Shared Streets and Spaces Program has awarded $55.4 million through 522 grants to 229 municipalities and seven RTAs.
For further details on MassDOT’s grant opportunities, interested parties can visit their Grant Central portal online.
Information from this article can be found here.
