The Healey-Driscoll Administration is putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to sprucing up the Bay State's economy. According to recent news, close to $17 million in grants are being poured into local economic development projects through Massachusetts' Community One Stop for Growth. In Fall River alone, officials gathered to rejoice over $16,552,817 going toward underused properties and a tidy $375,000 aimed at Commonwealth Places grant programs.
Economic revitalization is spreading across 161 communities with the administration's announcement last month of a generous $164 million for 338 grant awards. Touting the state's competitive edge, Governor Maura Healey claimed, "These grants will unlock economic potential in cities and towns across the state by accelerating the mixed-use redevelopment of underutilized properties and creating vibrant public spaces."
It's all about giving communities the right tools to reach their economic heights, says Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "The Community One Stop for Growth is the state’s most important tool to help communities achieve their economic goals and spur development," she's quoted in the announcement. Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao underlined the broad approach: "Building strong local and regional economies is an essential part of our goal to create a state economy that benefits everyone." Now, the local partners of 48 projects can count on state funds for a significant boost to rejuvenate large swaths of property space.
The Underutilized Properties Program and Commonwealth Places aim to hit home runs in community improvement, interpreted from MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera's bragging about investments that will spur growth in dozens of communities. "Breathing new life into underused buildings and public spaces creates space for much-needed housing, benefits new and existing businesses, and increases foot traffic within downtowns and commercial areas," he told the gathered crowd.
Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, an avid supporter, chimed in on the do-gooding: "I’m thrilled to see this infrastructure investment into the Fall River Downtown District." According to the press release, he's eyeing a significant impact following the grants that will trickle down to help rehabilitate the city's commercial spaces and residences. Representing more local enthusiasm, Representative Carole A. Fiola expressed gratitude towards the administration for assisting in the revitalization of cities, while Representative Alan Silva noted the grants' ability to provoke economic growth and job creation.
