Baker-Polito Administration Announces Opening of 2019 MassWorks Infrastructure Award Round
BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker announced the opening of the ninth annual MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant award round.
The 2019 MassWorks grant round will fund projects that empower transformative housing and development that support the long-term vitality of Massachusetts, with a particular focus on projects that enable the production of multi-family housing in mixed-use, transit-serviced districts, and projects that spur economic development in struggling communities.
The MassWorks Infrastructure Program is a competitive grant program that provides the largest and most flexible source of capital funds to municipalities and other eligible public entities for public infrastructure projects that support and accelerate housing production, spur private development, and create jobs throughout the Commonwealth.
In addition, the Program supports municipalities with a population of 7,000 or less that may seek grants for roadway improvements to enhance public safety.
“Our Administration recognizes the important role public infrastructure plays in maintaining and improving the safety, connectivity and economic strength of the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Over the last four years, MassWorks funding has helped address these needs and unlock private investment toward housing and job growth. I encourage communities to submit proposals for transformative projects in the 2019 grant round.”
“As former municipal leaders, Governor Baker and I believe strongly in empowering communities to address the unique challenges they face,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “MassWorks’ flexibility is the hallmark of the program, and has allowed our Administration to support local leaders in solving their most pressing infrastructure needs while delivering new homes and jobs that ensure our Commonwealth’s continued economic strength.”
The 2018 MassWorks round yielded 107 applicants, with 39 grant awards announced totaling over $80 million in 37 communities. These awards are expected to leverage $2.9 billion in private investment, drive an anticipated 4,000 units of new housing, and over 9,000 full time jobs.
“Massachusetts is booming and we need to continue to enhance our infrastructure and housing stock to ensure continued economic success,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy.“MassWorks is one of the most effective programs in our economic development toolbox, maximizing the impact of public infrastructure funding by tying vital improvements to job and housing creation.”
The MassWorks Program encourages municipalities to apply with projects that have been well planned, exhibit prompt and predictable permitting, and have implemented zoning that supports future growth.
The reference materials for the 2019 MassWorks grant round, the electronic application system, application guidelines, FAQs, and other relevant materials are available online, giving public entities a 12-week head start to gather the information they need in order to submit their applications by the August 9thdeadline.
Applicants will have access to previous MassWorks grant round submissions. All decisions will be rendered within approximately 8 weeks after the application deadline.
Since 2015, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded over $358 million in grants to 177 shovel-ready projects in 128 communities. MassWorks funding has also enabled the addition and preservation of more than 2 million square feet of commercial/retail space, 29,000 full and part time jobs, and 11,000 housing units, while leveraging more than $6.9 billion in private investment.
Governor Baker signed economic development legislation in August 2018 that allocates substantial new funding for municipalities, including another $250 million for MassWorks awards. The legislation builds on the Baker-Polito Administration’s work to partner with communities across the Commonwealth to catalyze economic development and create new opportunities for residents.
These efforts include the 2016 Job Creation and Workforce Development act, which authorized $1 billion to support economic development across the state, including $500 million for the MassWorks Infrastructure Program and the introduction of new workforce development strategies.
Learn more about MassWorks at mass.gov.