Boston— In a major boost for public health and local infrastructure, State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg announced $46.8 million in grant funding for 23 municipal water projects across Massachusetts during a special meeting of the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust Board of Trustees on June 25.
The grants, awarded to 22 communities, are part of a larger $248 million investment to improve drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. The funding stems from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which requires that a portion of federal support be distributed as grants.
“These grants support vital projects, ensuring the safety of our drinking water and protecting public health, while lessening the financial strain on local governments,” said Treasurer Goldberg. “By leveraging federal resources, we are able to move forward with improvements that deliver real, long-term benefits, especially in the communities that need them most.”
The Massachusetts Clean Water Trust, in partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), will distribute the funds as loan forgiveness as part of the state’s State Revolving Fund (SRF) program. These programs provide low- or no-interest loans for critical water infrastructure work. The grants focus on high-priority projects and allocate extra financial assistance to communities classified as “Disadvantaged” based on an affordability metric developed by the state.
Governor Maura Healey praised the initiative, emphasizing the value of continued investment in infrastructure. “Massachusetts has some of the cleanest drinking water in the country, and that’s in large part thanks to the important work our municipalities, counties and water utilities do to maintain drinking water and wastewater infrastructure,” said Healey. “I’m proud to work with Treasurer Goldberg and the Clean Water Trust…