(BOSTON 9/1/2023) — Last week, 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, including Millbury.

“I am thrilled to hear that Millbury will be a recipient of a generous $1.35 million Community Development Block Grant this year,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “This grant will fund real, tangible improvements to the Millbury Senior Center and a critical intersection in the center of town. I’d like to thank the Governor, Secretary Augustus, and all the local leaders who worked together to deliver this grant to the people of Millbury.”

“The Town of Millbury is grateful to our partners at the Central Mass Regional Planning Commission and the Commonwealth to receive such a significant Community Development Block Grant award” said Karyn Clark, Millbury Acting Town Manager. “Funds will be utilized to support an energy efficient roof and insulation upgrades at the Millbury Senior Center, as well as utility and streetscape improvements to the Maple and Providence Street intersection, adjacent to a Millbury Housing Authority facility.”

“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.”

This year’s awards reflect combined FFY22 and FFY23 CDBG funding.

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.

A full list of awardees can be found here.

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