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 to deliver this funding that will lower the cost of water projects and help ensure that all Massachusetts residents continue to have the clean water they deserve.”
Projects funded by the grants range from upgrades to aging wastewater treatment facilities to improvements in drinking water quality and the replacement of lead service lines. These investments are part of a long-term strategy to make the Commonwealth’s water systems more resilient and climate-ready.
MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple noted the grants’ dual benefit: “This investment will help cities and towns move forward with critical water infrastructure projects without straining local budgets or bills. These grants will support 23 projects and build a more resilient Massachusetts—which is good for our economy and our environment.”
Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz added that the grants will also ease the financial burden on local budgets. “These grants will improve safety and quality of life for Massachusetts residents while helping to alleviate pressure on municipal budgets.”
A full list of the funded projects and recipient communities was made available following the announcement and includes both small rural towns and larger urban centers.
The Massachusetts Clean Water Trust has played a key role in financing environmental infrastructure since its inception, partnering with local governments to ensure access to clean, safe water statewide.
