Webster receives $900K federal block grant

WEBSTER - The town has a received $900,000 grant from the federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program, part of $26.8 million in funding provided for community improvement projects statewide.

The grant will be used for roadway, sidewalk and water improvements to Negus Street as well as a master plan update.

The CDBG program is the Commonwealth's largest available resource for neighborhood revitalization projects and helps meet the housing and public service needs of low- and moderate-income communities while buildling and reparing infrastructure vital to the health and safefy of all residents. Historically, 40 percent of CDBG funds distributed have been used for these job-creating projects.

In making the announcement, Governor Deval Patrick cited "our Congressional delegation for their continued support of our communities." Senator Richard T. Moore added, "This funding will go a long way to deliver on key initiatives in Webster, and foster yet annother opporutnity to spark much needed economic growth."

(For more on Webster's plans for the grant, see Letter from the Editor, in columns)