Sen. Eldridge and Rep. Sena announce $500,000 water infrastructure state grant
Investment will extend public sewer infrastructure for future Ayer Commons affordable housing
AYER – State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) and State Representative Danillo Sena (D-Acton) are proud to announce that the Executive Office of Economic Development has awarded $500,000 to the Town of Ayer through the HousingWorks Infrastructure Program from the Community One Stop for Growth grant process.
The Community One Stop for Growth program is the main operation for targeted public economic development investments in the Commonwealth. The One Stop is made up of 13 different grant programs that fund development projects related to community capacity building, planning and zoning, site preparation, building construction, and infrastructure. The consolidation of these programs under a single application streamlines grant procurement processes for municipalities as well as the Commonwealth.
The funds from the HousingWorks Infrastructure Program will go to Ayer Commons, a 106 unit 40B Development approved by the Ayer Zoning Board in 2023. Phase 1A of the project plans on using the awarded $500,000 to extend public sewer infrastructure an additional 1,070 linear feet on Fitchburg Road, the area that lines the development. The project would also provide a starting point for a Phase 1B sewer proposal. Construction for the 64 townhouse-style units is slated to begin in 2027.
“The HousingWorks Infrastructure Program provides Ayer with critical support for sufficient water infrastructure to develop affordable and sustainable housing,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge. “This award will drive the construction of the future Ayer Commons, which I continue to advocate for significant state funding for in order to become a reality. I am extremely grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Secretary Paley for making an investment in infrastructure that will improve housing and economic opportunities for Ayer.”
“This grant will offer important support for expanding water infrastructure, which is vital to developing housing, specifically aiding the development of Ayer Commons. I’m thankful for the support and work of the Healey-Driscoll administration and Secretary Paley for making this important investment, which will drive both housing and economic development in Ayer,” said State Rep. Danillo Sena.
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