Brewer Announces Funding for Tornado Ravaged Towns

Planning Assistance Grants to Help Communities Rebuild

(Boston) – Senator Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) announced today that the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is making up to $230,000 available to cities and towns affected by the June 1, 2011 tornados.  The Tornado Recovery Planning Assistant Grant will support municipalities plan reconstruction efforts through the hiring of professional planners or regional planning agencies.

 Municipalities in Hampden and Worcester Counties identified by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) as being damaged by the tornado will be eligible to apply. 

 The Tornado Recovery Planning Assistance Grant provides funding for local strategic planning activities that address long-term rebuilding and redevelopment of target neighborhoods or other areas that were damaged by the storm.  Municipalities may apply for planning assistance up to $150,000 to be used exclusively for consultant services.

 “This grant is a great opportunity for communities who are facing the daunting task of rebuilding after a catastrophic loss,” said Brewer, who represents the towns of Monson, Brimfield and Sturbridge that were affected by the severe storms.  “These communities have the spirit and the strength to rebuild and this funding will help lighten some of the financial burden during the process.”

 Grant applications are due to DHCD on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 by 5:00 PM.  Awards will likely be made by the end of September 2011.  Grant applications can be accessed online at www.mass.gov/dhcd

 Funding for the grant was provided in a supplemental budget passed on June 21, 2011, which included $15 million for costs incurred in response to the devastating tornadoes

Posted: Fri, Aug 19, 2011
Updated Fri, Aug 19, 2011