Baker Announces $575K MassWorks Grant for Grafton
November 21, 2018 : GoLocalWorcester
Governor Charlie Baker has announced a $575,000 MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant for the town of Grafton to fix the sewers on Westboro Road.
“Our Administration is committed to investing in programs like MassWorks that support local infrastructure and play a critical role in strengthening businesses and the communities that surround them. MassWorks is one of this Administration’s many initiatives that enable local communities to tap into private investment and accelerate local economic growth across the Commonwealth,” said Baker.
The Grant
The project will add 1,425 feet of sewer main along Westboro Road. The sewer line will serve D & F Afonso Builders’ 48-unit, single-family subdivision and expand septic capacity for additional commercial and residential development along Route 30.
“Grafton's Route 30 corridor has long been identified as the Town's next economic development opportunity. The 2018 MassWorks Grant award enables Grafton to unlock development potential and begin the creation of a Transit Village in North Grafton. This will enhance employment and housing opportunities consistent with the Governor’s ‘Open for Business’ initiative,” said Grafton Town Administrator Timothy McInerney.
The new mains will be added to the 1,200 feet committed by Afonso.
Grafton will coordinate with National Grid to repave Route 30 after the company installs 8,000 linear feet of concrete conduit beneath the road.
The total public-private investment in upgrades to Route 30 will total more than $7 million.
The project also supports the redevelopment of the 33-acre MassDevelopment site at the former Grafton State Hospital campus. When complete, the hospital site will have nearly 200,000 square feet of commercial space and associated jobs.
"MassDevelopment's real estate team has worked closely with the Baker-Polito Administration and the Town of Grafton to convert a vacant 33-acre site, formerly part of the Grafton State Hospital campus, into shovel-ready, developable land. The Westboro Road Sewer Extension Project, made possible by this MassWorks Infrastructure Grant, will advance our efforts to redevelop the site, attract innovative businesses, and create jobs in the community,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Lauren Liss.
Since 2015, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded over $275 million in MassWorks grants to support 138 projects in 106 communities.
