Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy has published a letter to Massachusetts employers, reminding them of obligations and public health guidance as the second surge in COVID-19 infections is underway. The full letter is available for download at this link; key points include:

The full letter is available here.

The Energy and Sustainable Development Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership invites you to a special forum as part of its series on the impact of COVID-19 on economic development, "Business Response to COVID-19 in 495/MetroWest." This panel discussion will focus on how different economic sectors in our region have responded to the pandemic.

The panel will include:

This event will take place remotely via Zoom on Wednesday, December 9th 8:30 AM; click here to register. The event is open to all interested persons, though advance registration is required.

Panelists will speak to COVID-19's impact on their business and sector, strategies for pandemic resilience, and their thoughts on the future. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions of panelists.

The 495/MetroWest Partnership's Energy and Sustainable Development Committee focuses on issues related to land use, energy, brownfields remediation, low-impact development, broadband connectivity, placemaking, and environmental stewardship. Committee meetings and events are open to all interested participants.

The Commonwealth's MassTrails program is currently accepting applications for funding. MassTrails provides matching grants to communities, public entities and non-profit organizations to design, create, and maintain the network of trails and trail systems used and enjoyed by Massachusetts residents and visitors.

Applications are accepted annually for a variety of trail projects benefiting communities across the state. Funding for MassTrails Grants comes from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s capital budget, and from the motor fuel excise tax on off-road vehicles including ATVs and snowmobiles, which is provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Surface Transportation Act, in coordination with MassDOT.  

Applications are due Monday, February 1st, 2021. Click here to access more detailed program information and application materials. 

Grant amounts are dependent on the project and its needs, but generally range from $5,000 to $100,000 with grants of up to $300,000 awarded to projects demonstrating critical network connections of regional significance.

Eligible grant activities include project development, design, engineering, permitting, construction, and maintenance of recreational trails, shared-use pathways, and the amenities that support trails.

MassTrails grants are reimbursable, meaning grantees must first pay for expenditures themselves and then submit for reimbursement using the required documentation. MassTrails grants are also matching grants, and require that proponents provide a minimum of 20% of the total project cost. Projects with higher match commitments will be given greater consideration.

Eligible projects require documented land owner permission and community support. Click here to access more detailed program information and application materials.  

MassDOT is in the process of converting all exit numbers on freeways to a milepost-based numbering system, per Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requirements. Currently, interstates and freeways in Massachusetts utilize a sequential exit numbering method. Construction began in the Fall of 2020 and is anticipated to be completed in the Summer of 2021.

Exit numbering conversion on Interstate 90 will begin on December 13th, 2020. Construction activities will take place along the length of I-90 statewide, and will continue for approximately four weeks. Work will take place between 8:00 PM and 5:00 AM.

Please note that all work is weather dependent and construction dates may be adjusted accordingly. This work will not impact the tolls on the roadway.

Click here for more information on the project and construction status, or sign up for project updates.

Eight transportation initiatives in the 495/MetroWest region aimed at helping people get around during the coronavirus pandemic have won a combined $330,000 in state funding. The projects are part of more than $1 million given to 25 communities or regional transit authorities meant to support transportation and delivery needs for vulnerable groups during the pandemic, including seniors and those with food insecurity challenges. The funding was given by MassDevelopment, the state's finance and development agency.

The eight recipients in our region include: 

Yesterday, the Board of Directors of the 495/MetroWest Partnership voted unanimously to accept the request of the Town of Plainville to join our service area!

Plainville, Massachusetts, is home to approximately 8,200 residents, and was incorporated as a town in 1905. The area had acquired the name "Plainville" in the mid-19th Century due to the abundance of geographical plains in the area. Along with North Attleboro, Plainville is home to the Angle Tree Stone, a historic marker that once divided the boundaries between the Massachusetts Bay Colony and Plymouth Bay Colony; the Angle Tree Stone is today featured on the town seal.

Plainville had previously featured the only non-contiguous portion of Interstate 495 in our organization's service area. As of yesterday, we serve all municipalities containing portions of 495 between Westford and Foxborough.

Welcome, Plainville!

Sincerely,

Jason Palitsch

Executive Director

The 495/MetroWest Partnership