Brewer Announces MassWorks Grants for Hubbardston and Athol

(Boston) – Senator Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) today announced that the Fiscal Year 2012 MassWorks Infrastructure Program grants administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development have been announced.  In Brewer’s district the Towns of Hubbardston and Athol were awarded funding.

Hubbardston was awarded a $1 million grant to help the town to repair and reconstruct Hale, Grimes, Healdville and Ragged Hill Roads, some of the worst roads within its borders.  The project will consist of 8.14 total miles of road improvements and will make for safer transportation for residents; the easier access will also improve economic development.  Additionally, the project is expected to create 25 construction jobs. 

In June of this year, the residents of Hubbardston voted, at the annual town meeting, to approve a $1.3 million borrowing to be dedicated solely to the improvement of roads.  The town has also implemented a Road Surface Management System to target funds to roads with the greatest need.

The Town of Athol was awarded an $833,933 grant to be used for the Traverse Street Infrastructure Project, a compact redevelopment of existing roadways and sidewalks with enhanced pedestrian safety and accessibility.  The project will also establish additional parking and improve access between the Athol Area YMCA and the Community Transit Services Headquarters.

The MassWorks Infrastructure Program consolidates six capital budget programs administered across three different agencies providing a one-stop shop for municipalities and other eligible

applicants seeking public infrastructure funding to support economic development.  The program provides grant funding for publicly owned infrastructure including, but not limited to sewers, utility extensions, streets, roads, curb-cuts, parking facilities, site preparation, demolition, pedestrian walkways, streetscape, and water treatment systems.

Posted: Tue, Nov 15, 2011
Updated Tue, Nov 15, 2011