From Press Release Materials
On 7/20/21, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito joined Acting Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler and Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver to announce $6.05 million in awards to 18 communities as part of round one of the Fiscal Year 2022 Complete Streets Funding Program. These grant awards will be used by recipient municipalities to fund local multimodal infrastructure projects that improve travel for bicyclists, pedestrians, public transit users, and people using other forms of transportation.
A “Complete Street” is one that enables safe, convenient, and comfortable travel for users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation. Administered by MassDOT, the Complete Streets Funding Program aims to teach communities about Complete Streets and encourage the integration of Complete Streets into regular local planning practices. Since its launch in 2016, 235 municipalities have worked through the program to adopt a local Complete Streets Policy and 205 municipalities have advanced even further to develop an approved Complete Streets Prioritization Plan. A representative from each municipality registered with the program also attends a training course to learn about Complete Streets.
Fairhaven received $332,636 to conduct a lane diet and add buffered bike lanes along Alden and Howland Roads to Bridge Street, as well as to provide crosswalk improvements, new bus shelters, and speed feedback signs at various locations.
“These funds will improve safety for motorists and pedestrians along some of the busiest corridors in Fairhaven,” said Senator Mark Montigny, who has supported the Complete Streets program in the state Senate since its inception in 2016. “Congratulations to town officials for their continued success in improving local transit and safety across the community.”
Municipalities may apply for up to $400,000 in construction project funding in one application. Examples of project elements that can be implemented through the program include sidewalks, multimodal paths, bicycle lanes, improved street lighting, and pedestrian signalization at crosswalks or intersections.
For more information about the Complete Streets Funding Program, visit www.masscompletestreets.com.
“The Complete Streets Funding Program has awarded $61 million in funding through 190 grant awards since 2016 to support municipalities in their ongoing efforts to improve their transportation infrastructure, build safe, convenient and easily accessible transportation networks and to facilitate economic development opportunities,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This program continues to make great strides in increasing mobility and connectivity to ensure that safe transportation options are available throughout the Commonwealth.”
“Since taking office, our administration has been proud to help communities create safer transportation options through this flexible grant program,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.
“People who want to travel around cities or towns need safe transportation infrastructure and adding a crosswalk, widening a sidewalk or installing a bicycle lane, are some of the ways that communities can make it safer and more efficient for people to leave their vehicle at home and walk, bike or take public transit to schools, stores and other important destinations.”
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