Gov. Patrick Announces $31M in Development Grants

Thirty-eight cities and towns across Massachusetts are set to receive $31 million in federal Community Development Block Grants.

Gov. Deval Patrick says the money will help pay for housing rehabilitation, public service projects and local infrastructure.

Patrick planned to officially announce the grants Friday in West Springfield, where $900,000 will be used for housing, social service programs and upgrades to neighborhood sidewalks.

Other projects to receive funding include improvements to the Amherst Community Childcare Center; renovation of foreclosed housing units in Chelsea; the creation of a youth center in North Adams; and camp scholarships in West Springfield.

Patrick said investing in infrastructure projects will help put people to work and improve the quality of life.

The block grant program is administered by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

[Associated Press]