Boston, MA - United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA), along with Representatives James P. McGovern (D-MA-02), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06) and Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a total of $6,278,690 in Community Planning and Development grants to cities across Massachusetts, including $3,112,217 to the City of Somerville.
The competitive grant funding was awarded through HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs.
The CDBG grants were awarded to the following cities:
The City of Somerville was also awarded $209,799 in ESG funding and $424,368 in HOME funding.
"These grants are terrific news for the Commonwealth and a great example of how the federal government can be a strong partner for Massachusetts' cities and towns," said Senator Warren. "This new funding will help our mayors and other local leaders -- who know our communities best -- revitalize our neighborhoods, build opportunities for our families, and help the most vulnerable among us get back on their feet."
"From affordable housing to economic development, CDBG funding is more than a line in a budget, it is a critical lifeline for cities and towns across Massachusetts," said Senator Markey. "That's why we fight so hard each and every day, to ensure that funding is always available to help communities in the Commonwealth address their most urgent needs for some of our most vulnerable populations."
"This is fantastic news for Leominster and all the cities that are going to benefit from these targeted investments," said Congressman McGovern. "Every year, I help lead the fight in Congress to protect funding for Community Development Block Grants from cuts. I've seen up close how powerful and transformative this program is. It has lifted up disadvantaged families and communities throughout our commonwealth. I'm grateful to our local leaders who work so hard to lay the groundwork for these grants."
"I hear from families all the time who can't afford housing in our region. It's too expensive! And our transportation system is so outdated you can't commute easily to cheaper areas. These block grants will help and I'll keep fighting for HUD funding that our cities and towns can use to develop more affordable options for hardworking Americans," Congressman Moulton said.
"Providing a diverse range of safe, sustainable, and affordable housing opportunities that fit the needs of Haverhill's evolving population is a vital component of the long term economic stability of our community. This Department of Housing and Urban Development grant funding provides a critical tool to cities like Haverhill to cultivate a better living environment and expand economic opportunity for all. I am pleased that this critical grant funding is coming home, and will continue to support these investments as a Member of Congress," said Congresswoman Trahan.
"I want to thank Senator Warren and the MA delegation for their steadfast support of this crucial resource for those who need it most," said Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. "From senior and youth services to food access and domestic violence victim supports, CDBG grants are critical to many city and nonprofit programs serving our most vulnerable residents. In Somerville, the CDBG program has also filled vital funding gaps in needed affordable housing and park projects in our low-income neighborhoods. Our city would be a very different place without the CDBG funding we've received over the years."
Read more about HUD's CDBG program here, the ESG program here, and the HOME program here.
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