Reading Receives $2.6 Million Grant For Downtown Infrastructure

READING, MA — The Town of Reading has been awarded a $2.6 million MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant for intersection, streetscape, and safety improvements along Haven Street and abutting roadways.

The state announced the funding as part of the FY24 Round of the Community One Stop for Growth that presented nearly $164 million in funding to 338 economic development projects in 161 communities this week.

“We thank the Healey Administration and our state legislative delegation for this award, which assists our efforts to improve streetscapes and transportation in an area connecting the heart of Reading's downtown to our MBTA Commuter Rail station,” Reading Select Board Chair Jackie McCarthy said in a statement. “As costs increase and infrastructure needs grow, this funding will be critical to developing the future of our town.”

Reading has worked in recent years to rehabilitate sewer, water, and drainage utilities along Haven Street to increase capacity and prepare for the development of higher-density housing and mixed uses in the downtown area within walking distance of the Reading Commuter Rail Depot.

The MassWorks grant will fund pedestrian safety features and intersection improvements adjacent to a new private, mixed-use development, and will support complementary features including an increased tree canopy, according to a statement.