Westborough May Get Millions In New MA Economic Development Bill

WESTBOROUGH, MA — The state Senate last week passed its $2.86 billion economic development bill, promising millions for local projects in cities and towns across the state — although the final version of the proposal still has a long way to go.

The Senate's bill is the chamber's own take on economic development proposals from the state House and Gov. Maura Healey. The Senate bill has been sent back to the House for reconciliation ahead of a July 31 deadline for the end of this session — a deadline lawmakers have blown by many times before.

The economic development bill authorizes the state to borrow billions for larger initiatives aimed at stimulating the climate technology and life sciences sectors. But there's plenty in the proposal for local initiatives, too.

Here's what Westborough would get, according to the law passed last week:

• $1.57 million for economic development through improved infrastructure and roadways for the Otis street project
• $400,000 shall be for economic development projects, including the creation of an electric vehicle station plan, costs associated with rotary redesign, sidewalk improvements, and municipal parking improvements, and other projects

The Senate bill is also packed with several other notable policy initiatives, including allowing Massachusetts bars and restaurants to have "happy hour," a vote against putting the Worcester-based Cannabis Control Commission into receivership and including 18-year-olds in the juvenile justice system.