MassWorks Program Awards $1 Million Grant to Danforth Green Project

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick Tuesday announced a round of MassWorks Infrastructure Program grants to advance local development projects across the state, including the Danforth Green project in Saxonville.

The Commonwealth awarded $1 million for the Danforth Green housing development, part of the Riverpath Drive planned unit development (PUD), that will create 353 new housing units in Framingham.

The project will create 180 rental units and 173 ownership units.

The MassWorks award will reconstruct Riverpath Drive, the main entryway into the new development. Work will include widening the road, sewer improvements, traffic signals, sidewalks and paving

The MassWorks grants announced yesterday total more than $66 million in improvement projects that will support thousands of jobs in Massachusetts communities. Through these awards, the state will partner with cities and towns to support housing developments, infrastructure developments, road safety and revitalization projects.

“Our commitment to investing in communities has created thousands of jobs and improved infrastructure across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Patrick in a press statement. “The MassWorks program is a prime example of what government can do at the local level to support economic development.”

Through these grants, the Patrick Administration will partner with cities and towns making targeting investments in infrastructure such as roadways, streetscapes, water and sewers to facilitate and support new and sustained housing and economic growth throughout Massachusetts.

“The Patrick Administration has been committed to providing support to communities so that they can grow and prosper,” said Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki in a press release. “Revitalizing a community through infrastructure improvements will make it easier for businesses to grow and communities to flourish.”

MassWorks is administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and represents a consolidation of six capital budget programs, giving communities a single entry point and one set of requirements for the state’s public infrastructure grants. The consolidation created efficiencies and streamlined the decision-making process, increasing access for municipalities and enhancing partnerships around economic development and housing.

The Patrick Administration has invested $291 million in MassWorks infrastructure and public improvements projects statewide since 2011.