City Of Somerville Awarded Safe Streets Grant For Nearly $117K

BOSTON, MA — The City of Somerville has been awarded $116,800 in federal funds to conduct additional data analysis and pursue quick-build projects under the city's existing safety action plan, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced earlier this week.

The funding is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program. The program was established through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and includes approximately $5 billion in appropriated funds to be awarded over the next five years.

The grants can be used by communities or organizations to develop safety action plans, conduct data analyses, and implement projects and strategies that seek to significantly reduce or eliminate transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries involving pedestrians, bicyclists, micromobility users, motorists, public transportation customers, users of personal conveyance, and commercial vehicle operators.

In the current round of funding in Massachusetts, which was allocated by MassDOT, 17 municipalities and regional planning agencies received approximately $30.6 million.

"MassDOT is pleased to work collaboratively with municipal leaders, metropolitan area planning councils and regional planning agencies to further the goals of Safe Streets for All," said Massachusetts Transportation Secretary and MassDOT CEO Gina Fiandaca.

Fiandaca continued: "We will continue to support the development of safety action plans and continue to work with our partners to improve transportation infrastructure to help make travel safer for the public whether people choose to walk, bike, take public transportation or drive.

Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) called the funding welcome news for her district.

"Public safety and transportation are inextricably linked, and it's imperative that we make federal investments to improve our roadways for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists across the Massachusetts 7th and beyond," Pressley said. “This federal funding ... will expand transportation options for our growing neighborhoods while helping to prevent tragedies that have become far too common for commuters in Somerville, East Boston, Dorchester and Roxbury."