Boston (March 8, 2024) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) today announced their successful efforts to secure nearly $20 million in federal funding for water resources, housing and urban development, and rural development projects supporting 10community-based projects across Central Massachusetts.

“Central Massachusetts is the heart of our Commonwealth—and its community groups and local leaders are the heart of our shared efforts to achieve health, environmental, and economic justice,” said Senator Markey. “These 10projects will use federal dollars to build affordable housing for families, seniors, and veterans, expand educational opportunities, improve school infrastructure, construct a community center, and improve pedestrian and roadway safety for our cities and towns throughout the Central Massachusetts region.”

“I am delighted to have secured nearly $20 million in federal funding alongside Senator Markey and Rep. McGovern for community projects across Central Massachusetts. From improving our air quality to supporting our children’s learning spaces and building more affordable housing for everyone - including our grandparents and veterans, these are critical investments that will help make a real difference for Central Massachusetts residents,” said Senator Warren.

Central MA is home to 10 projects that have received funding in the FY24 funding package, including:

 

  • $5,000,000 for the MetroWest YMCA to build a Regional Early Learning Center for the communities of Ashland, Framingham, Hopkinton, Holliston, Sherborn and beyond.

 

  • $1,200,000 for Center of Hope Foundation to renovate and modernize its facilities including Day and Employment Programs and Independent living Support Units in Southbridge. 

 

  • $1,000,000 for NewVue Communities in Fitchburg to redevelop three vacant, blighted historic municipal buildings into 68 units of mixed-income affordable housing.

 

  • $3,000,000 for the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging to develop 40 mixed-income units of rental apartments for grandparents raising grandchildren.

 

  • $2,654,000 for CENTRO to acquire underutilized and blighted properties in Worcester’s lowest-income neighborhood for the development of 112 units of affordable rental housing and support 32 first-time homebuyers.

 

  • $2,500,000 for Veterans Inc. to renovate shelter and transitional housing for homeless veterans in Worcester.

 

  • $2,000,000 for the City of Worcester to complete the planning and design of Mill Street to improve pedestrian and roadway safety.

 

  • $856,000 for the Worcester Natural History Society EcoTarium to create and deliver educational programs for youth and adults to discover and explore the scientific universe within and beyond our atmosphere.

 

  • $750,000 for the City of Leominster to construct the Leominster East Side Community Center, supporting community meeting space, after school programs, employment and training opportunities.

 

  • $223,000 for the Quabbin Regional School District for air quality improvements at the Quabbin Regional Middle School. 

 

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