GARDNER – Today, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Edward Augustus Jr. joined Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, members of the local legislative delegation, and municipal leaders from across the state to award $64.9 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). These federal funds will support a variety of housing, community, and economic development projects and programs in 72 Massachusetts cities and towns.
“This investment will allow cities and towns across Massachusetts to strengthen and revitalize their communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Across the state, we are going to see cities and towns use these Community Development Block Grants to fix their roadways, expand their housing options, and improve the quality of life they offer their residents – and we’re so excited to see the impact those investments will have. We’re grateful to our federal delegation and the Department of Housing and Urban Development for their work in getting these funds to Massachusetts and for their commitment to helping us make Massachusetts the most competitive, most affordable, and most equitable state we can possibly be.”
“As a former Mayor, I know firsthand how grants like this play a critical role in giving our towns and cities the resources they need to make a real impact on the lives of Massachusetts residents,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We know how important it is to invest in our communities, and these CDBGs open doors to opportunities for growth and revitalization across the state. We’re so excited to see all the awardees use these funds to improve their communities.”
“The funds awarded today will improve the lives of Massachusetts residents,” said Ed Augustus Jr., Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities. “From Washington D.C. to Main Street, these funds represent a partnership across all levels of government. Today we put the power of federal funding into the hands of local communities to invest these flexible grant dollars directly into the programs and services residents need most. EOHLC is proud to partner with cities and towns to ensure that these funds are spent efficiently and effectively, and I congratulate all this year’s awardees.”
Today’s awards will provide for the much-needed rehabilitation of 362 housing units and will also provide for the acquisition of property to support the creation of 191 affordable housing units for low-and-moderate income residents. Furthermore, today’s awards will support 31 infrastructure projects ranging from park improvements to road repairs and community planning initiatives, and a variety of social services including direct support to local food pantries, childcare assistance programs, and domestic violence services.
This year’s awards reflect combined FFY22 and FFY23 CDBG funding.
“The impact these funds will have on cities and towns across Massachusetts is immeasurable. In Gardner, this funding will allow us to convert blight into promise by demolishing two buildings that have been collapsing in on themselves for several years, improve pedestrian infrastructure in the downtown area, make educational programming more equitable to students of all economic backgrounds, and help us support those struggling with homelessness in the City,” said Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson. “The progress made through this grant program is a perfect example of what we can accomplish when officials across all levels of government – local, state, and federal – work together for the benefit of our communities. I’d like to thank Governor Healey, Lt. Governor Driscoll, Secretary Augustus, and all of our state and federal partners for continuing to provide cities and towns with the tools they need to build a stronger Commonwealth from the street level, up.”
“Congratulations to communities across the Commonwealth for receiving almost $65 million through the 2023 Community Development Block Grants Awards, which support housing, community, and economic development projects,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “I will keep fighting hard with lawmakers and communities across the Commonwealth to secure vital federal funding that invests in making our communities more safe, resilient, and livable.”
“I applaud the EOHLC for awarding $64 million for communities across Massachusetts to create, develop, and expand essential services – from affordable housing and childcare, to outdoor spaces,” said Senator Ed Markey. “Community Development Block Grants provide Bay Staters with the building blocks needed to stay healthy and thrive. I will keep fighting for big, bold investments in every corner of our Commonwealth.”
“Community Development Block Grants are critical for communities like Gardner that are making smart investments to improve quality of life for families,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “The grants announced today by Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll are significant, and they show the Commonwealth’s commitment to ensuring communities large and small are able to succeed. I look forward to the work ahead to increase federal funding for this important program so cities and towns across Massachusetts can continue to benefit from investments like this.”
CDBG funds are allocated annually to the Commonwealth through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by EOHLC. Communities may apply alone, or multiple communities may join and apply together.
CDBG funds are designed to be flexible so recipients can use their funds on a wide range of eligible projects. Assistance is provided to qualifying cities and towns for housing, community, and economic development projects that assist low-and moderate-income residents or revitalize areas of slum or blight.
