Twelve Massachusetts communities will soon benefit from safer streets, stronger infrastructure, and more resilient neighborhoods—thanks to $11.8 million in state grant funding that VHB helped secure over the past two months. These awards, distributed through multiple state agencies, provide critical resources for advancing infrastructure projects during a challenging funding climate.
What the Funding Supports
The grants include planning and construction awards that will:
- Improve mobility and multimodal connections
- Promote climate resiliency
- Create vibrant, livable communities
VHB partnered with municipalities to identify opportunities and navigate complex funding programs. Here’s a closer look at the results:
MassTrails Grant Program
Agency: Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation
Purpose: Expand and maintain the state’s trail network for walking, running, hiking, and cycling, improving accessibility and safety
Impact:
- The Towns of Hadley, Hudson, Montague, and Palmer collectively secured more than $325,000 for feasibility studies and preliminary design of new or expanded active transportation connections.
Community One Stop for Growth
Agency: Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development
Purpose: 12 grant programs that support housing, public infrastructure, site preparation, and downtown improvements
Impact:
- The City of Waltham and Towns of Hawley, Princeton, Swampscott, and Williamstown together received more than $10.1 million for preliminary design and construction of transportation infrastructure tied to housing and mixed-use development.
Complete Streets Funding Program
Agency: Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Purpose: Improve multimodal transportation for all users.
Impact:
- The City of Holyoke and Towns of Belchertown and Hadley secured more than $350,000 for Prioritization Plans and construction projects benefiting pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and motorized device users.
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program
Agency: Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Purpose: Help communities plan for climate change resiliency
Impact:
- The Town of Williamsburg received more than $1 million to develop an action-oriented resiliency plan, identify priority projects, and achieve MVP certification.
Our Approach
VHB takes an integrated approach to planning, design, and construction, helping clients identify funding pathways early in the process. By applying a “wide-angle lens,” we explore creative solutions to navigate evolving funding landscapes and bring projects to life.
For more information on securing Massachusetts grant funding, contact:
- Matthew Chase—Central and Western Massachusetts
- Rob Nagi—Eastern Massachusetts
- Kaitlynne Ward Morris—State and Federal Grant Programs Statewide
