Worcester Projects Get $2.7M In Funding For Environmental Research, Affordable Housing

WORCESTER, MA — More than $2.7 million in federal funding is coming to Worcester through the FY2026 appropriations process.

Two projects in Worcester will receive funding through a broader $12.1 million package secured by Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) for projects throughout the Second District of Massachusetts, the congressman announced last month. The largest of the 14 awards will go to Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the City of Worcester.

A total of $1.5 million is allocated to WPI to develop a continuous-flow reactor designed to destroy PFAS in contaminated soils and plants across Worcester County. PFAS, which are also known as "forever chemicals," have been linked to a range of health risks, including cancer and immune system damage.

Another $1.2 million will go to the City of Worcester for infrastructure upgrades at 128 Providence St., where officials plan to separate utilities and carry out lead and asbestos remediation. The work is expected to clear the way for new, affordable, accessible housing for older adults.

The Providence Street site is located near the Worcester Senior Center, which city officials say will give future residents access to meals, fitness programs, and health services.

The funding was secured through the federal community project funding process, which allows members of Congress to advocate for specific projects in their districts. Rep. McGovern also submitted a separate $3 million request for the Providence Street housing project, though not all requests are guaranteed funding.

“Every one of these awards is tied to a specific, tangible improvement folks here at home will see and feel,” McGovern said in a statement. "These are concrete things that will make life better for all of us. My team and I worked closely with mayors, town managers, nonprofits, and community leaders before doing the work in Congress to get this funding across the finish line.”

Rep. McGovern also worked with stakeholders in communities to secure funding for projects in Amherst, Ashfield, Colrain, Conway, Holliston, Leicester, Northampton, Princeton, Turners Falls and Whitinsville.

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