MassDOT’s Shared Streets and Spaces Grant Program: New Funding Opportunity

MassDOT has announced a new round of funding for its successful Shared Streets and Spaces Grant Program, which WalkBoston awarded with a Golden Shoe earlier this year. 

As in previous rounds, the Shared Streets and Spaces grant program supports municipalities and transit authorities to improve plazas, sidewalks, curbs, streets, bus stops, parking areas and other public spaces in support of public health, safe mobility and renewed commerce.

In light of the recent increases in speeding-related crashes and fatalities, MassDOT has announced that there will be an emphasis on safety for this new round of funding. Projects that improve safety for all road users through interventions that achieve safer conditions and safer speeds will be prioritized.

Shared Streets and Spaces will provide cities and towns with grants as small as $5,000 and as large as $200,000. Better Bus projects that provide new facilities for public buses may receive up to $500,000. Of note, the maximum amount that can be requested for this round of funding is lower than previous iterations of the grant program. 

Applications will be accepted until May 21, and award notifications will be made by June 25.

All municipalities and public transit authorities in the Commonwealth are eligible to apply, including those who have received funding in previous rounds. For additional information on the program and eligible project types, please check out the Mass.gov website or send questions to sharedstreets@dot.state.ma. 

Has your municipality benefited from a Shared Streets and Spaces grant? WalkBoston launched a “Thank You” effort and you can still take part in it here!