Grafton granted $100,000 for bridge construction

Grafton was awarded $100,000 for bridge construction as part of the Municipal Small Bridge Program Grant awards.

The town is one of 27 communities to receive a total of $6.3 million.  The program is a need and merit-based program that seeks to fund those applications that demonstrate a critical need or substantially extend the life of an existing small bridge. Projects are evaluated according to a strict set of eligibility criteria that consider the condition, benefits, and repair status of each bridge.

“Our administration is pleased make available this funding that can be used by cities and towns to preserve and repair smaller bridges within their communities,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “Since our administration began the Municipal Small Bridge Program close to $50 million has been awarded in funding to municipalities to ensure that their locally-owned transportation assets are safe and reliable.”

The Municipal Small Bridge Program, signed into law on August 10, 2016, by Governor Baker, is a several-year $50 million program to aid in the replacement and preservation of municipally-owned small bridgeswhich are not eligible for federal aid under existing bridge replacement or rehabilitation programs. An increasing number of them are at high risk for full or partial closure in the near future due to their present conditions.

“This program has helped facilitate the development of 121 small bridge projects across the Commonwealth that due to their size would be deemed ineligible for federal funding,” said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. “We are pleased to work with cities and towns to address their infrastructure needs and support local economies.”