Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $675,180 grant to the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Boston, Massachusetts, to provide roadway and stormwater infrastructure improvements needed to support additional development of the Devens Industrial Area and former Fort Devens Military Base.
This EDA project will help increase job opportunities in the manufacturing and biotechnology sectors by supporting the growth of a major regional job center. The grant, to be matched with $675,179 in local funds, is expected to create 150 jobs and generate $75 million in private investment.
“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support communities as they implement their plans to provide the vital infrastructure that local businesses need to be successful,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will facilitate business expansion and promote private investment and job growth in key sectors to strengthen the local economy.”
“This funding will further advance infrastructure improvements and the redevelopment of Devens to support Watson-Marlow’s proposed manufacturing facility and anticipated increased traffic flow in the area,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This award will be matched by MassDevelopment, who over the past 25 years has redeveloped Devens, a former military base, into a thriving mixed-use community that is home to more than 100 companies and organizations and more than 6,000 workers.”
“I’m thrilled by the Economic Development Administration and their Massachusetts partners’ investment in the infrastructure of the Devens Industrial Area and former Fort Devens Military Base,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “This investment in critical roadway and stormwater infrastructure will help small businesses grow, attract millions in private investment, and create jobs in manufacturing and biotechnology that will build a stronger regional economy.”
“I congratulate the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency and the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission for securing this important federal funding to realize this project at the Devens Industrial Area and former Fort Devens Military Base,” said Senator Ed Markey. “Not only will the funding enable critical infrastructure work and job creation across multiple sectors, it will also help establish Devens as an economic powerhouse in the region for years to come.”
“Over the past 25 years, Devens has grown from a decommissioned U.S. Army base to a thriving mixed-use community with more than 600 residents and 100 businesses and organizations,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03). “By supporting infrastructure improvements and spurring local economic growth and job creation, this grant is critical in the continued development of the Devens community. I’m grateful for the Economic Development Administration’s support and look forward to seeing the ways this investment will strengthen Devens and our district as a whole.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC). EDA funds MRPC to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.