States, Cities and Counties
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents covering state government, cities and counties.
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Mich. Economic Development Corp.: Crowdfunding Campaign Launched for 'ArtPath 7' in Lansing
LANSING, Michigan, May 18 -- The Michigan Economic Development Corp. issued the following news release on May 17, 2024:
The historic Lansing River Trail will continue to be activated with 20 new art installations and festivities through the efforts of ArtPath 7 and the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center announced the campaign today, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.
If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $10,000 by June 17th,
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LANSING, Michigan, May 18 -- The Michigan Economic Development Corp. issued the following news release on May 17, 2024:
The historic Lansing River Trail will continue to be activated with 20 new art installations and festivities through the efforts of ArtPath 7 and the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center announced the campaign today, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.
If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $10,000 by June 17th,the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC's Public Spaces Community Places program. For project details and to donate, please visit: patronicity.com/artpath7.
"ArtPath has brought activity and vibrancy to the historic Lansing River Trail year after year since 2018," said MEDC Regional Prosperity Managing Director Paula Holtz. "We are pleased to support and provide resources for this project through our Public Spaces Community Places program."
ArtPath is not just a public art program; it is a cultural tradition that has captured the hearts and minds of Lansing residents and beyond. Since ArtPath launched, it has activated 2.5 miles of trail and transformed blighted spaces with dozens of vibrant and engaging public art installations, some of which still exist today. The effort supports Michigan artists, and the community has responded with overwhelming support, bringing over 356,000 visitors to the trail.
In addition to the impressive numbers above, it's worth noting that ArtPath attracts artists and visitors from all over Michigan, making it a truly statewide event. This year ArtPath will expand its impact by adding new curated art walks, audio descriptions for each installation, and creating 20 new art installations to the river trail.
Zach Kovan, a muralist and ArtPath 6 artist, spoke about the experience of participating saying, "I'm still glowing from the event last week! Such a special thing to be a part of and so grateful to the both of you for putting it on. Getting to not only paint a mural with my mom, but then share it with the community and have a chance to talk about it on many platforms and spaces... so special."
"ArtPath is truly a community project that brings together artists from all over Michigan to produce artwork for Lansing residents and visitors alike," said Sarah Hopkins, Exhibitions Director at the Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center. "Whenever I tell someone, 'I help produce this project,' they always tell me how much they love ArtPath! It's so fulfilling to be a part of something that my local community loves and hearing positive feedback from folks validates the impact it has."
Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity, in which local residents can use crowdfunding to be part of the development of strategic projects in their communities and be backed with a matching grant from MEDC. Communities, nonprofits and other business entities can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan.
"The ArtPath project has brought a wonderful tradition to the Lansing community," said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. "Traditions are an important part of bringing a community together and helping members feel connected. The murals created through this project support artists from all over our state and provide opportunities for viewers to learn more about the world around us and one another."
The Public Spaces Community Places initiative started in 2014 with MEDC providing matched funding of up to $50,000 for community improvement projects throughout Michigan. As of May 8, 2024, MEDC has provided more than $12.5 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 376 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $14.5 million raised from 69,986 individual donors. Communities have a 97 percent success rate in achieving their goals and earning matching funds.
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About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan's economy.
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Original text here: https://www.michiganbusiness.org/press-releases/2024/05/crowdfunding-launched-artpath-7-lansing/
LCRA, Hamilton County Electric Co-Op Award $10,716 Grant to American Legion Post 487
AUSTIN, Texas, May 18 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release:
The American Legion Post 487 in Priddy will renovate the popular Legion Hall, thanks to a $10,716 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Hamilton County Electric Cooperative.
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $2,679 in matching funds from the post, will replace all windows in the building and provide much-needed upgrades to the restrooms and kitchen. Upgrades will include 10 new windows, new restroom vanities, faucets and toilets, a new water heater, new kitchen
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AUSTIN, Texas, May 18 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release:
The American Legion Post 487 in Priddy will renovate the popular Legion Hall, thanks to a $10,716 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Hamilton County Electric Cooperative.
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $2,679 in matching funds from the post, will replace all windows in the building and provide much-needed upgrades to the restrooms and kitchen. Upgrades will include 10 new windows, new restroom vanities, faucets and toilets, a new water heater, new kitchencabinets and counter tops, a new kitchen sink and faucet, and new paint on both the interior and exterior of Legion Hall.
"Legion Hall is the heart of Priddy," Commander Jeremy Seider said. "It has served as a community center since it was built and is a place that brings people together."
Nicknamed 'The Stomp' by community members, Legion Hall is a 6,000-square-foot building that was constructed in 1965. It is an iconic local landmark that has hosted dances and many other events over the years.
"The upgrades are going to make a big difference for our space," Seider said. "Our windows are currently single pane, and we cannot lock them. The new windows will be more energy-efficient and lockable, making the building safer."
He said that new paint will go a long way in enhancing the hall's curb appeal, and the upgrades to the restrooms and kitchens will make the space more inviting for community members.
The hall can be reserved for a variety of events, including celebrations and gatherings such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, luncheons, holiday parties, weather watcher programs and more.
"We are excited to have an updated space with new amenities that families and friends can use to gather and celebrate various life events, which is what the Legion Hall is all about," Seider said.
The community grant is one of 44 grants awarded recently through LCRA's Community Development Partnership Program, which helps volunteer fire departments, local governments, emergency responders and nonprofit organizations fund capital improvement projects in LCRA's wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas. The program is part of LCRA's effort to give back to the communities it serves. Hamilton County Electric Cooperative is one of LCRA's wholesale electric customers and is a partner in the grant program.
Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in January. More information is available at lcra.org/cdpp.
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About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves customers and communities throughout Texas by managing the lower Colorado River; generating and transmitting electric power; providing a clean, reliable water supply; and offering outdoor adventures at more than 40 parks along the Colorado River from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 and receives no state appropriations.
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Original text here: https://www.lcra.org/news/news-releases/lcra-hamilton-county-electric-co-op-award-10716-grant-to-american-legion-post-487/
In Bologna, Calif. Gov. Newsom Launches New Climate Partnership
BOLOGNA, Italy, May 18 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on May 17, 2024:
On the one year anniversary of the worst floods in the region's history, Governor Gavin Newsom launched a new partnership with the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Emilia-Romagna and California share similar climates and have been on the front lines of the climate crisis - including the weather whiplash of extreme drought to extreme flooding that impacted communities last year.
The Governor and Emilia-Romagna President Stefano Bonaccini spoke about the consequential elections taking place
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BOLOGNA, Italy, May 18 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on May 17, 2024:
On the one year anniversary of the worst floods in the region's history, Governor Gavin Newsom launched a new partnership with the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Emilia-Romagna and California share similar climates and have been on the front lines of the climate crisis - including the weather whiplash of extreme drought to extreme flooding that impacted communities last year.
The Governor and Emilia-Romagna President Stefano Bonaccini spoke about the consequential elections taking placearound the world this year and the vital need to deepen our partnerships on climate action.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed today by California and Emilia-Romagna outlines three years of collaboration to advance clean transportation, transition to clean energy, practice climate-smart agriculture, deploy nature based solutions, and protect air quality and biodiversity, among other efforts.
In an increasingly hotter and drier world, the partnership we're forming today will accelerate efforts to protect communities across the world - all while harnessing the innovative spirit necessary to move away from fossil fuels. - Governor Gavin Newsom
What President Stefano Bonaccini said: "Today is a historic day for Emilia-Romagna. This agreement with the government of the State of California, the fifth largest economy in the world, further strengthens the international dimension of our region, confirming our commitment to develop and share common policies with the most advanced territories in the world on key issues such as combating climate change, ecological transition and environmental protection. Thank you to Governor Newsom for following up on this collaboration that will yield important results for the benefit of our communities."
BIG PICTURE:
* California and Emilia-Romagna:
- Face similar climate risks, including flooding, drought, heat and extreme weather;
- Have carbon neutrality targets of 2045 and 2050, and 90% and 100% clean electricity by 2035, respectively; and
- Are hubs for innovation and research
The visit to Bologna follows the Governor's remarks at the Vatican Climate Summit yesterday. The Governor addressed world leaders on the urgency of the climate crisis and how California's climate action is a model for governments around the world. At the Vatican, the Governor and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom had an audience with Pope Francis.
"The Pope's leadership and voice on climate change are a reminder to global leaders of the moral obligation to address the crisis head-on.
California has and will continue to lead with partners like Emilia-Romagna because we can't do it alone especially as vulnerable communities continue to bear the brunt of climate-related disasters." - First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom
HOW WE GOT HERE: California's world-leading climate policies have led the state to exceed its 2020 climate target six years ahead of schedule, and formed partnerships across the U.S. and around the world.
* Earlier this month, California signed an MOU with Gyeonggi Province, South Korea - the center of the country's economy and high-tech industry.
* Earlier this year, Governor Newsom welcomed delegations from Sweden and Norway and renewed climate partnerships with the two governments.
* Last year, Governor Newsom led a California delegation to China, where California signed five MOUs - with China's National Development and Reform Commission, the provinces of Guangdong and Jiangsu, and the municipalities of Beijing, and Shanghai. The trip also resulted in a first-of-its-kind declaration by China and California to cooperate on climate action like aggressively cutting greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning away from fossil fuels, and developing clean energy.
* In 2023, California launched the Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership (MCAP) at COP 28, working to support members in quickly adapting to climate impacts and emergencies. E-R is a member of this partnership.
* Also in 2023, California signed a MOU with the Chinese province of Hainan, as well as with Australia.
* In 2022 alone, California signed Memorandums of Cooperation with Canada, New Zealand and Japan, as well as Memorandums of Understanding with China and the Netherlands, to tackle the climate crisis. The Governor also joined with Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia to recommit the region to climate action.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/05/17/in-bologna-governor-newsom-launches-new-climate-partnership/
Ill. Senate Democrats: Senate Passes Glowiak Hilton Bill to Extend Nurse Practice Time
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 18 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news:
In an effort to recruit more nurses to work at Illinois medical facilities, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton passed a measure to extend the time nurses can practice while waiting for the review of their license application.
"Nurses should not lose out on work due to application waiting periods," said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). "This initiative helps address the state's nursing shortage, provides our nurses more experience with patients and ensures application delays do not affect their ability
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SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 18 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news:
In an effort to recruit more nurses to work at Illinois medical facilities, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton passed a measure to extend the time nurses can practice while waiting for the review of their license application.
"Nurses should not lose out on work due to application waiting periods," said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). "This initiative helps address the state's nursing shortage, provides our nurses more experience with patients and ensures application delays do not affect their abilityto work."
House Bill 5047 would allow advanced practice registered nurses with pending applications to practice under supervision for six months while waiting for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation's review of their application. Under current law, this status is revoked after three months. These nurses would need to have completed at least 250 hours of continuing education in their area of certification and have at least 4,000 hours of clinical experience to be applicable for this opportunity.
According to The Illinois Update, over half of registered nurses in Illinois are over the age of 55, with the state being projected to see a nursing shortage of 15,000 by 2025. Glowiak Hilton's initiative would help combat this shortage and bring more nurses to hospitals within the state.
"We cannot afford to turn away accredited health care professionals," said Glowiak Hilton. "There needs to be proactive steps taken to ensure these highly skilled nurses can contribute to patient care and medical facilities are not left understaffed."
House Bill 5047 passed the Senate Thursday.
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Original text here: https://www.illinoissenatedemocrats.com/caucus-news/30-senator-suzy-glowiak-hilton-news/5695-senate-passes-glowiak-hilton-bill-to-extend-nurse-practice-time
Ill. Senate Democrats: Fine Advances Insurance Coverage for Prescribed At-Home Pregnancy Tests
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 18 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news:
State Senator Laura Fine passed a measure through the Senate that would require health insurance providers to cover prescribed at-home pregnancy tests.
"Prescribed at-home pregnancy tests, like medications, should be covered by insurance for those who need them," said Fine (D-Glenview). "The purpose of this legislation is to reduce barriers to accessing necessary prescriptions and help patients obtain their tests."
While at-home pregnancy tests are available over-the-counter, prescribers require patients
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SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 18 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news:
State Senator Laura Fine passed a measure through the Senate that would require health insurance providers to cover prescribed at-home pregnancy tests.
"Prescribed at-home pregnancy tests, like medications, should be covered by insurance for those who need them," said Fine (D-Glenview). "The purpose of this legislation is to reduce barriers to accessing necessary prescriptions and help patients obtain their tests."
While at-home pregnancy tests are available over-the-counter, prescribers require patientstaking certain medications -- like Accutane, a medication for severe acne -- to take a monthly pregnancy test. For those who need pregnancy tests, Fine's measure extends privacy to patients by allowing tests to be concealed in the same paper bags as other pharmacy prescriptions.
House Bill 5643 would require all state employee health plans, Medicaid and private insurers to provide coverage for prescribed at-home pregnancy tests, regardless if the tests are available over-the-counter. The measure limits the number of tests to two every 30 days, except under Medicaid, where it is limited to a multipack every 30 days.
"I am particularly proud that this legislation brought together a broad coalition of supporters in the medical and advocacy community, including both Planned Parenthood of Illinois and the Catholic Conference of Illinois," said Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl (D-Northbrook). "Our communities are strongest when we come together to solve these kinds of everyday problems faced by Illinois families."
House Bill 5643 passed the Senate on Thursday and heads to the Governor's desk for further consideration.
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Original text here: https://www.illinoissenatedemocrats.com/caucus-news/28-senator-laura-fine-news/5709-fine-advances-insurance-coverage-for-prescribed-at-home-pregnancy-tests
IEDA Board Approves Assistance for an Established Company, Two Startups in Iowa
DES MOINES, Iowa, May 18 -- The Iowa Economic Development Authority issued the following news on May 17, 2024:
Today, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board approved an application for a data center in Davenport. which will assist in the creation of 35 jobs and result in $800 million in new capital investment for the state. The board also approved innovation funding in support of two startups located in Granger and West Des Moines. In addition, IEDA approved assistance from Iowa's State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Innovation Fund for three startups in Ames, Slater and
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DES MOINES, Iowa, May 18 -- The Iowa Economic Development Authority issued the following news on May 17, 2024:
Today, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board approved an application for a data center in Davenport. which will assist in the creation of 35 jobs and result in $800 million in new capital investment for the state. The board also approved innovation funding in support of two startups located in Granger and West Des Moines. In addition, IEDA approved assistance from Iowa's State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Innovation Fund for three startups in Ames, Slater andWest Des Moines.
Meta to construct data center in Davenport
Vemerald, a wholly owned subsidiary of Meta Platforms, Inc., will store and transfer user and customer data for their operating systems. The company plans to construct a data center, which will include office space, servers and support equipment. The project represents a capital investment of $800 million and is expected to create 35 jobs incented at a qualifying wage of $28.76 per hour. The board granted the City of Davenport the ability to utilize the High Quality Jobs (HQJ) program provision for value-added property tax exemption for this project.
Awards made to two startups
Bovi-Jet, based in Granger, makes devices for cattle producers to aid in animal health. Their product overcomes the time and manual labor required to treat livestock throughout their lifetime by using sensors to detect movement of cattle and pour a stream of medicine along the backs with a farmer's existing chute system. The company was awarded a $50,000 Proof of Commercial Relevance (POCR) loan for IP development and evaluation, proof of concept work, product refinement, key personnel and equipment, and market planning and entry activities.
West Des Moines' Incentit is an integrated incentive management platform supporting organizations that implement their own programs along with third party program managers. The software offers program management, tracking and reporting as well as a mobile app, application intake portals and a REST API. The company was awarded a $50,000 POCR loan for product refinement.
Award recommendations for these funds are made by the Technology Commercialization Committee to the IEDA Board for approval.
SSBCI Innovation Fund awards to three startups
Ames-based biotech company PowerPollen focuses on transforming agricultural productivity and sustainability with hybrid seed and grain production systems. The company developed a revolutionary "pollination on demand" technology for the global seed industry. PowerPollen was awarded a $1 million Innovation Acceleration Expansion Fund loan for IP development and evaluation, prototype development and equipment, product refinement and testing, project team and partnerships, and manufacturing.
Tractor Zoom, located in West Des Moines, offers innovate online solutions for the farm equipment and heavy machinery market. Their primary platform, TractorZoom.com, streamlines the process for buyers to find, value and finance equipment. In addition, their cloud-based business-to-business platforms, Tractor Zoom Pro and Anvil Pro, help value, manage and sell equipment assets. The company was awarded a $1 million Innovation Acceleration Expansion Fund loan for key personnel.
Headquartered in Slater, Gross-Wen Technologies provides a patented algae biofilm treatment system under the RAB(TM) brand. The technology enables the effective and sustainable use of algae to remove nitrogen and phosphorous from wastewater. It can also be used with clean water to grow valuable algae for various uses that include fertilizers, bioplastics and biofuels. The company was awarded a $500,000 Innovation Acceleration Propel Fund loan for key personnel and equipment.
The SSBCI program's Innovation Fund increases assistance available through Iowa's innovation continuum to support entrepreneurs through concept, launch and expansion. Award recommendations for these funds are made by the SSBCI Review Committee to the IEDA director for approval. The committee met on May 14, 2024, to review eligible applications.
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Original text here: https://www.iowaeda.com/iowa-news/ieda-may2024/
Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Approximately $37 Million in Grants to Support Regional Public Transportation
BOSTON, Massachusetts, May 18 -- The Massachusetts Department of Transportation posted the following news release:
The Healey-Driscoll Administration is announcing approximately $37 million in grant funding to support regional public transportation. The funding from three grant programs will go to Regional Transit Authorities (RTA), Councils on Aging, and other entities for vehicles, to support fleet electrification, to enhance and expand existing transit services, expand service hours, improve rural connectivity, and assist with operating and capital expenses.
Grant awards totaling almost $20
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BOSTON, Massachusetts, May 18 -- The Massachusetts Department of Transportation posted the following news release:
The Healey-Driscoll Administration is announcing approximately $37 million in grant funding to support regional public transportation. The funding from three grant programs will go to Regional Transit Authorities (RTA), Councils on Aging, and other entities for vehicles, to support fleet electrification, to enhance and expand existing transit services, expand service hours, improve rural connectivity, and assist with operating and capital expenses.
Grant awards totaling almost $20million will be used to purchase vehicles for public transportation needs under the Community Transit Grant Program (CTGP.) Also, under the CTGP, more than $2 million is being awarded for projects expanding mobility for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals. In a third grant program, $15 million is being provided to increase operating and capital funding for transit providers through the Regional Transit Innovation Grant (RTIG) Program.
"We are excited to announce these grant funds because we know the money will go a long way to supporting the needs of organizations that provide mobility options across the state," said Governor Maura Healey. "Public transportation plays a crucial role when it comes to accessibility, community connectivity, and economic growth and we will work to ensure that all residents have access to the transportation services they need."
"This grant money supports a lifeline for so many - essential travel to doctor's appointments, shopping centers, school, work locations, and other important destinations," said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. "Funding for these transit providers will truly make a difference by increasing public transportation routes, adding more hours of service, and expanding the number of electric public transit vehicles on our roads."
"The Healey-Driscoll Administration is stepping up efforts to expand public transportation options for everyone in every corner of the state," said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. "This grant funding will help our transit providers do more, including adding service, expanding routes, and purchasing electric vehicles so more mobility options can be offered to senior citizens, people with disabilities, and individuals who cannot afford to own a car."
MassDOT Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger added, "The volume of applications for funding from these programs shows the high demand for enhanced transit services. We are pleased to be partnering with transit providers across the state to fund projects in urban, suburban, and rural areas to better meet the mobility needs of our communities."
Regional Transit Innovation Grant Program:
The Fiscal Year 2024 state budget allotted $15 million in discretionary operating and capital funding to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) for Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025 to award to transit providers through the Regional Transit Innovation Grant (RTIG) Program. At least 25 percent of the funding ($3,750,000) is reserved for rural areas. Eligible RTIG project types included new and innovative service delivery models, expanded service hours or weekend service, rural connectivity, connectivity improvements across regional transit authority service areas, electrification, infrastructure, and capital investments.
This grant program was highly competitive, with 60 applications submitted; 18 projects are receiving funding. In addition, 48 percent of RTIG funding will go toward projects with rural service areas, exceeding the 25 percent requirement. Funding awards are going to:
* Brockton Area Transit Authority,
* Berkshire Regional Transit Authority, Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, and Franklin Regional Transit Authority (joint application),
* Cape Ann Transportation Authority (2 projects),
* Franklin Regional Transit Authority,
* Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority,
* Town of Great Barrington,
* Town of Lexington,
* City of Marlborough,
* Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority,
* Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority,
* Montachusett Regional Transit Authority,
* Nantucket Regional Transit Authority,
* Pioneer Valley Transit Authority,
* Cities of Revere and Chelsea (joint application),
* SCM & City of Cambridge,
* Southeastern Regional Transit Authority, and,
* Town of Winchendon.
Community Transit Grant Program (CTGP) - Vehicles:
Fiscal Year 2024 CTGP vehicle grants are being awarded to 43 applicants for a total amount of $19,724,810 to fund 168 vehicles. A total of 54 applicants had applied. Through the CTGP Vehicle Cycle Awards, MassDOT's Rail and Transit Division is distributing federal 5310 and state Mobility Assistance Program funding. Vehicles which will be procured include a range of minivans and cutaway vehicles, varying in size to accommodate a range of fleet needs. All models are wheelchair accessible. According to federal rules, federal 5310 funds can pay for up to 80% of the cost of each vehicle. Massachusetts' Councils on Aging, nonprofits, and municipalities must pay a 20% match. The state's 15 Regional Transit Authorities are eligible for fully funded vehicles with state MAP funds providing a 20% match.
Organizations receiving the Fiscal Year 2024 CTGP Vehicle Cycle Awards are:
* Arlington Council on Aging,
* Brookline Council on Aging,
* Chicopee Council on Aging,
* City of Beverly,
* City of Fall River,
* Danvers Council on Aging,
* Family Service Association of Greater Fall River,
* Franklin Regional Transit Authority,
* Hilltown Community Development,
* Littleton Elder and Human Services Council on Aging,
* M.O.L.I.F.E., Inc.,
* Montachusett Regional Transit Authority,
* South County Senior Center,
* Southeastern Regional Transit Authority,
* Swampscott Council on Aging,
* Town of Concord,
* Town of Dartmouth,
* Ludlow Council on Aging,
* Millbury Council on Aging,
* Town of Monson,
* Town of Rochester,
* Town of Templeton,
* Topsfield Council on Aging,
* Town of Weston,
* Berkshire Regional Transit Authority,
* Brockton Area Transit Authority,
* Cape Ann Transportation Authority,
* Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority,
* Salem Council on Aging,
* GAAMHA, Inc.,
* Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority,
* Lowell Regional Transit Authority,
* Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority,
* MetroWest Regional Transit Authority,
* Peabody Council on Aging,
* Pioneer Valley Transit Authority,
* SCM Community Transportation,
* South Shore Community Action Council, Inc.,
* Town of Dedham,
* Town of Great Barrington,
* Viability, Inc.,
* Weymouth Elder Services, and,
* Worcester Regional Transit Authority.
Vehicles available through this grant program include a 6-passenger minivan with ramp, 6-passenger electric with lift, 8-passenger cutaway with lift, 12-passenger cutaway with lift, 14-passenger cutaway with lift, 16-passenger cutaway with lift, and 14-passenger low-floor minibus with ramp.
Community Transit Grant Program - funding to expand mobility:
The Fiscal Year 2024 state budget also allotted MassDOT a total of $4 million to expand the CTGP to fund projects expanding mobility for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals. Just under $2 million of that funding was awarded in November of 2023, and the remaining $2,137,405 was announced today to 11 projects. The organizations receiving this funding are:
* Berkshire Regional Transit Authority,
* Helping Our Women, Inc.,
* Hilltown Community Development Corporation,
* Lowell Regional Transit Authority,
* Montachusett Regional Transit Authority,
* Town of Sudbury,
* Pioneer Valley Transit Authority,
* Tri-Valley Elder Services,
* Town of Ware, and,
* Worcester Regional Transit Authority.
MassDOT appreciates partners who are helping to advance mobility options state-wide.
Erik Rousseau, Southeastern Regional Transit Authority:
"SRTA is very excited to have the opportunity to provide microtransit service to connect customers to the South Coast Rail, an important project many decades in the making. This grant will allow us to quickly respond to the start of South Coast rail with flexible, on-demand service that will give us data on customer travel patterns so we can plan future service."
Bob Malnati, Berkshire Regional Transit Authority:
"The BRTA is excited to be working with FRTA and PVTA to coordinate a pilot service that interconnects our three service areas. For many Berkshire County residents that do not have access to cars, this new pilot service will open the possibilities to expand their employment, education, and social opportunities. The economic impact for people residing in Berkshire County will be expansive for those needing to go to medical facilities, finding more employment and educational opportunities, wanting to shop, and connecting to other modes of transit. We are very grateful for the opportunity this grant award provides for our residents to provide connectivity to Greenfield, MA, Northampton, MA and beyond. This will be a first for the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) connecting to other Regional Transit Authorities and will start to address longstanding and inequitable regional travel issues felt in the Berkshires."
Josh Rickman, Worcester Regional Transit Authority:
"Through this grant, WRTA plans to provide new service in the communities of Shrewsbury and Sturbridge. This new service will better support the needs of these individuals by providing greater access to transportation for trips to work, medical appointments, and shopping. This new service will also be beneficial to the new migrant populations residing in these two communities who currently have limited transportation choices. WRTA is excited to implement this service to address the transportation needs of these communities."
Miranda Jennings, Director of the Winchendon Senior Center: "Transportation is one of the top needs in our community, and it connects to all the other needs our residents have - access to healthy food, economic empowerment, social inclusion, and wellness. So, this grant is really going to allow us to move forward on these key needs, and in a collaborative way. Transportation is also one of the focuses of our master plan, so this is really helping our town make progress on our goals."
For more information on Regional Transit Innovation Grants, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/regional-transit-innovation-grant
For more information on Community Transit Grants, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/community-transit-grant-program.
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Original text here: https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-announces-approximately-37-million-in-grants-to-support-regional-public-transportation
