Senator Eldridge and Representatives Sena and Harrington Announce MassWorks Funding Granted to the Town of Ayer
The $3 million grant will be used to provide critical water and sidewalk improvements
Ayer – Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton), Representative Danillo Sena (D-Acton), and Representative Sheila Harrington (R-Groton) are proud to announce that the Baker-Polito administration has awarded the town of Ayer a MassWorks infrastructure grant of $3.164 million.
MassWorks is a competitive infrastructure program that provides large and flexible grants to communities to help them fund projects that contribute to initiatives such as housing, private development, and job production, all with the goal of creating a stronger and more sustainable Commonwealth.
The $3.16 million in funds awarded to Ayer will support development for Ayer’s West Main Street corridor and the Devens Regional Enterprise Zone.
The project, which is supported by the Ayer Select Board and the Town along with a broad range of stakeholders, is expected to create new economic development opportunities in the future “West Ayer Village.” Improvements will include water lines, ADA compliant sidewalks and bicycle lanes for Commuter Rail connectivity, a storm-water collection and management system, and streetscape upgrades. There will also be a re-alignment of the Devens Verbeck Gate intersection, and the installation of a Devens Regional Bus shuttle waiting station.
“The Town of Ayer is pleased to receive this MassWorks Grant in the amount of $3.16 million for the infrastructure and streetscape improvements for West Main Street. This grant will enable the Town to transform this important gateway corridor with new infrastructure which will generate new economic development opportunities. Additionally this was a successful collaboration between the Town of Ayer, MassDevelopment, and the Devens Enterprise Commission with the support of our State Legislative Delegation,” said Ayer Town Manager Robert A. Pontbriand.
I am grateful to the Baker-Polito administration for the $3 million grant to the town of Ayer," said State Senator Jamie Eldridge. "These road, sidewalk and infrastructure improvements will create a major transformational shift to establishing a West Main Street corridor, that will not only expand the thriving downtown, but establish housing opportunities for families, and provide a more welcoming environment for small businesses. I want to offer a hearty congratulations to Ayer Economic Development Director Alan Manoian for his vision, Ayer Town Manager and Assistant Town Manager Robert Pontbriand and Carly Antonellis for advocating for the project, and the Ayer Board of Selectmen for their commitment to improving the quality of life for Ayer residents."
“This Massworks Grant is a tremendous boost to the ongoing economic development efforts underway in Ayer. This Grant will go a long way in re-vitalizing West Main Street in Ayer. I am so grateful to the Baker administration for allocating these resources to enable robust economic development in the “West Ayer Village,” while making necessary improvements to the infrastructure through new ADA compliant sidewalks and bicycle lanes to serve the people of Ayer and the surrounding communities,” said State Representative Sheila C. Harrington. “Kudos to all those who worked to make this a reality.”
“I am delighted that MassWorks is making this investment in Ayer. On my recent visits to Ayer and Devens, I have seen first hand the potential for growth that developments like these offer the town. This kind of economic development is as necessary as ever to set us up for a positive post-Covid recovery,” said Representative Danillo Sena.
Learn more about the MassWorks program here.
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