New Bedford Awarded Over $6.7 Million for City Improvement

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) —Ten local projects across Greater New Bedford will receive over $6.7 million in state economic development grants, building upon the successful downtown development.

The grants awarded were part of this year's Community One Stop for Growth application cycle, which provides communities with access to 12 different economic development grant opportunities authorized by the legislature.

The grant programs support projects related to community capacity building, planning and zoning, site preparation, building construction and infrastructure.

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"These critical state funding sources are advancing important economic development priorities across Greater New Bedford at no additional cost to local taxpayers," said Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford).

"The improvements to local infrastructure coupled with vital funding to several outstanding community organizations will undoubtedly bolster our robust cultural identity and quality of life across the city," he said.

The largest grant awarded this cycle will provide $5 million for New Bedford to reconstruct the Purchase, Pleasant, and State Street corridors. This grant will include improved sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian ramps, lighting and traffic signal improvements.

Additionally, the proposed Southcoast LGBTQ+ Community Center in downtown New Bedford will receive a $300,000 Underutilized Properties grant, and the Verdean Veterans Memorial Hall will receive $300,000 under the same program.

The former Capitol Theater in the city's North End will receive $100,000 for a shared-use kitchen to support start-up food-based businesses alongside a market incubator and training space.

An additional $100,000 will be provided to the Cape Verdean Association in New Bedford to support its transformation of the former Strand Theater and adjacent lot into a vibrant Cape Verdean Cultural Center and outdoor park.

There will also be $75,000 for New Bedford to continue work on its two Transit-Oriented Development overlay districts adjacent to the new South Coast Rail platforms.

The Town of Acushnet is also receiving $100,000 to update its Master Plan, and $25,000 for a Site Readiness/Feasibility Study for the former Russell Library.

SRPEDD will also receive $165,000 for compliance with Section 3A of the Zoning Act.