Chelmsford Gets $250K State Grant For Vinal Square Project

CHELMSFORD, MA — The Town of Chelmsford received a $250,000 state grant Wednesday to continue developing plans for the Vinal Square Transportation Improvement Project, the administration of Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announced.

The funding is part of the Housing Choice Grant Program, and Chelmsford was one of 36 projects to receive a total of $3.9 million in funds.

Baker and other political leaders held a press conference in Medway on Wednesday to celebrate this round of funding.

The Housing Choice Grant Program, according to a release from the Baker-Polito administration, funds planning and infrastructure projects that support housing or economic development. The program awards funds based on the project's nexus with housing, transportation, infrastructure, economic development, and community development.

"Municipal leaders understand how crucial thoughtful planning is for growing communities and changing needs, and today's awards will help them undertake a variety of planning and small infrastructure projects to set them up for long-term success," Baker said.

For the Vinal Square project in Chelmsford, the funding is expected to advance design plans, including improvements to circulation, mobility, streetscape and safety in order to improve the experience of residents and visitors.

According to the Baker-Polito administration, after the latest Housing Choice Grant Program funding, $22.64 million has been awarded to 153 projects since the program began in 2018.