MIDDLEBOROUGH – Town Manager Robert Nunes is pleased to announce that the Town of Middleborough was recently awarded a state grant to assist with regional climate resiliency efforts.
Grants were presented by Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Heffernan during a virtual ceremony, which took place on Friday, June 4. The ceremony was attended by recipients, local and state officials and community leaders.
Funding was provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Community Compact Cabinet (CCC) Efficiency and Regionalization (E&R) grant program.
“We are extremely thankful to the Community Compact Cabinet and the Baker-Polito Administration for providing us with this grant,” Town Manager Nunes said. “With the funds from this generous grant, the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District will be able to further enhance its regional climate resiliency efforts.”
In total, approximately $78,725 was awarded for towns in the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District, including Acushnet, Attleboro, Berkley, Carver, Dartmouth, Dighton, Fairhaven, Fall River, Freetown, Lakeville, Mansfield, Marion, Mattapoisett, Middleborough, New Bedford, North Attleborough, Norton, Plainville, Raynham, Rehoboth, Rochester, Seekonk, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton and Wareham.
The E&R Grant Program began in Fiscal Year 2017 with the goal to assist municipalities and school districts interested in providing services to their communities in an efficient and cost-effective way. The grants provide funds for one-time or transition costs for municipalities, regional planning agencies and councils of government.
The CCC was formed in 2015 by Lt. Governor Polito. It consists of the Secretaries of Housing and Economic Development, Education, Transportation, Energy and Environmental Affairs and Technology Services and Security, as well as the Senior Deputy Commissioner of Local Services and the Assistant Secretary of Operational Services. The CCC aims to elevate the Baker-Polito Administration’s partnerships with cities and towns and allow the Governor’s Office to work closely with leaders from municipalities across the state.
Including the $78,725 awarded for regional climate resiliency efforts, the Administration awarded a total of $1 million in grants for 48 communities and 4 school districts. Since the program began, $5.5 million has been awarded in grants to support over 300 municipalities and school districts.
“Under the leadership of Lt. Governor Polito, the Community Compact Cabinet continues to empower local cities, towns, and school districts and ensures they are able to provide high-quality, efficient, and reliable services to Massachusetts residents,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “By leveraging the collective capacity of local communities, this grant program helps maximize local funding and achieve important efficiencies.”
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