波士頓市爭得100萬元聯邦經費 資助20機構擴辦「數位技能」計畫

(Boston Orange 綜合摘譯) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 和國會議員Ayanna Pressley，以及波士頓市人力發展辦公室 (OWD) 日前在東波士頓青年會 (YMCA)宣佈，波士頓市將投資100萬美元，擴辦數位能力計劃（Digital Literacy Initiative），邁進DigLit 2.0世代。

這100萬元將用於資助20個波士頓市內的就業準備和職業培訓項目，協助波士頓市民學習在當今就業市場中必須具備的基本數位技能。

波士頓市府說明，這100萬美元100%都是國會議員Ayanna Pressley從美國勞工部2023會計年度的社區項目資金中爭取來的，沒有非聯邦資金。

2022年時，賦權工人內閣 (Worker Empowerment Cabinet) 麾下的人力發展辦公室和世界教育 ( World Education)合作，試辦數位能力計畫 (Digital Literacy Initiative，簡稱DigLit)，經由美國援救計畫法案 (ARPA)，資助25個成人基本教育 (ABE) 項目，每年服務了3500名學生，並取得重大成果，建成一個包含70多項整合數位技能補習教育教學流程的「波士頓科技教育教學流程圖書館 (Boston EdTech Routine Library)」。

國家技能聯盟(National Skills Coalition)的一份報告，強調數位能力在就業上的重要性。該報告指出，儘管如今就業市場上的工作，92%需要數位技能，但有三分之一的工作者缺乏就業所需的基礎數位技能。

波士頓市政府因此和不同夥伴合作，為居民提供學習這些支持家庭，找工作技能的機會。

新一批將獲資助的20個社區機構包括華埠社區的華美福利會 (AACA)，波士頓華埠社區中心 (BCNC)，以及:

Breaktime United, Inc.

Bridge Over Troubled Waters

Catholic Charitable Bureau of the Archdiocese of Boston, Inc.; El Centro Adult Education Program

Community Work Services

Digital Ready

Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation

Immigrant Family Services Institute, Inc.

International Institute of New England

Jamaica Plain Community Centers Adult Learning Program

Julie's Family Learning Program

The Loop Lab

Maverick Landing Community Services 

Mothers for Justice and Equality

New England Center for Arts & Technology

Operation ABLE of Greater Boston, Inc.

Somali Development Center

St. Stephen’s Youth Programs

The YMCA of Greater Boston。

CITY OF BOSTON ANNOUNCES $1 MILLION INVESTMENT TO EXPAND DIGITAL LITERACY ACROSS BOSTON 

BOSTON - Wednesday, March 26, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and the Office of Workforce Development (OWD) last week announced a $1 million investment to expand the City’s Digital Literacy (DigLit) Initiative, a critical initiative that helps workforce development programs address digital literacy gaps. This investment will fund the next phase of the initiative, DigLit 2.0, and equip 20 Boston-based job readiness and occupational training programs with the infrastructure and capacity to deliver the digital skills necessary for residents to succeed in today’s evolving job market. This expansion is funded by a Community Project Funding grant secured by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. Phase 2 of the Digital Literacy Initiative, DigLit 2.0, is fully funded by FY2023 Community Project Funding totaling $1 million (100%) from the U.S. Department of Labor with 0% ($0.00) financed from non-federal sources. This announcement was made at the East Boston YMCA, a committed adult basic education and job training provider. 

"Closing the digital literacy gap is critical in our work to make Boston a city for everyone,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Every resident across our neighborhoods deserves to be equipped with the digital skills they need to access resources, secure good jobs in an evolving economy and be connected to more opportunities. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Pressley for securing this vital funding and look forward to coordinating with all of our partners to advance this important work forward.”

“I am proud to deliver $1 million in direct federal funds that we secured for Boston’s adult digital literacy initiative, which will expand access to digital skills, close gaps in our workforce development programs, and open doors for our workers to grow and thrive,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. “I’m grateful to Mayor Wu and our local leaders for their partnership in bringing much-deserved digital literacy opportunities to our city.”

This announcement builds on the City’s efforts to better connect residents with job training and educational opportunities while working to close digital literacy gaps. In 2022, the Office of Workforce Development, led by the Worker Empowerment Cabinet, piloted the Digital Literacy Initiative (“DigLit”) in partnership with World Education to address digital access gaps identified through extensive community-engaged research. The pilot, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, supported 25 Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs that collectively serve 3,500 students annually. The pilot also yielded successful results for the participating programs, including the increased use of digital tools, instructional software, communication tools, and technology used for instruction. A pivotal outcome of this initiative was the Boston EdTech Routine Library, a repository that contains 70+ remedial education instructional routines that integrate digital skills. 

"We believe that all residents need intentional and comprehensive access to quality education, and skills and job training to thrive in Boston," said Chief of Worker Empowerment Trinh Nguyen. "This expansion reflects our commitment to increasing these opportunities and our collaborative approach to meeting employer demand while tapping into Boston’s talent pool. Digital literacy is no longer optional—it is critical to accessing job opportunities and economic mobility. Ensuring access to digital skills training is essential to building an inclusive economy where everyone has a fair shot at success. We are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley whose leadership and advocacy made this investment possible. Thank you to the participating organizations whose commitment to enhancing their programming will undoubtedly result in lasting positive outcomes for our residents.”

Last week’s launch event featured a panel featuring employers from Eversource, Boston Medical Center, Dana-Farber, and life sciences alongside training providers from Just-A-Start, FCIT, and YMCA of Greater Boston. The panel was moderated by Priyanka Sharma, Director of World Education, and brought together voices from across Boston’s workforce ecosystem to explore how technology is transforming middle-skill roles, shifting skill demands, and how partnerships can better align training programs with employer needs, especially amid rapid technological shifts driven by AI.

“The YMCA of Greater Boston is deeply grateful for the City of Boston's continued investment in digital literacy through its DigLit funding,” said David Shapiro, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston. “We are also grateful for the national leadership of Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, who garnered federal investment in this effort. It is an honor to host the DigLit 2.0 Launch event at the East Boston Y, the site of our very own culinary training program with the New England Center for Arts and Training. The event is a powerful reflection of the multi-sector commitment necessary to foster job preparation, skills, and supported career pathways. It also reflects the powerful efforts to advance digital literacy skills while strengthening the very foundation of our community - its people. Together, we will continue to uplift each other with the knowledge, skills, and pathways critical to a more inclusive, competitive, and dynamic economy and City.” 

“At World Education, we recognize that digital skills are essential for unlocking opportunities in today’s tech-driven workforce,” said Priyanka Sharma, Director of World Education. “We are proud to collaborate with the City of Boston and our partners to advance a shared vision for a stronger, more resilient workforce—one where every adult has the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy. Through the DigLit project, we are activating digital skills programming into training programs, expanding career pathways, and empowering Boston’s communities with greater economic mobility.” 

Following the pandemic, digital literacy skills have proven to be crucial for workplace success. A report from the National Skills Coalition emphasizes the critical importance of digital literacy for employment, revealing that, despite 92% of jobs requiring digital skills, one-third of workers lack the foundational digital skills necessary for success in today's job market. Recognizing this gap, the City has worked closely with various partners and employers to offer skills-based classes and opportunities for residents to be connected to digital literacy support. OWD continues to engage in field-building and capacity-building efforts to align training programs with employer needs so Boston residents gain the skills necessary to access family-sustaining, quality jobs.

“Digital Literacy has become an important skill and ever more necessary in today’s workforce, it is not just the access to technology but the reliance on so many different systems and platforms,” said Macy Reed, Director of Workforce Development at Boston Medical Center (BMC). “As an employer, BMC continues to offer various skills-based classes to employees to help improve performance and career growth.”

Building on this initiative’s success, DigLit is expanding to support 20 additional Boston-based organizations:

• Asian American Civic Association
• Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center
• Breaktime United, Inc.
• Bridge Over Troubled Waters
• Catholic Charitable Bureau of the Archdiocese of Boston, Inc.; El Centro Adult Education Program
• Community Work Services
• Digital Ready
• Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation
• Immigrant Family Services Institute, Inc.
• International Institute of New England
• Jamaica Plain Community Centers Adult Learning Program
• Julie's Family Learning Program
• The Loop Lab
• Maverick Landing Community Services 
• Mothers for Justice and Equality
• New England Center for Arts & Technology
• Operation ABLE of Greater Boston, Inc.
• Somali Development Center
• St. Stephen’s Youth Programs
• The YMCA of Greater Boston

These programs will receive technical assistance provided by World Education and funds to address their digital literacy needs, allowing them to deliver effective digital literacy training and help bridge the digital equity gaps faced by their training participants. 

“Digital literacy will equip our graduates with the ability to learn more quickly and adapt to new technologies, a crucial trait for career advancement,” said Christopher Hope, Executive Director of the Loop Lab. “Their enhanced proficiency in digital tools will likely lead to greater efficiency and productivity, making them much more valuable members to their employers.”

“The DigLit Initiative will help to directly address these barriers, enhancing participants' employability, job retention, and opportunities for career advancement,” said Ben Hires, CEO of Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center. “For many, the job search process, application submissions, and interviews have moved online, making basic computer skills a necessity.”

For more information on the Digital Literacy Initiative, visit boston.gov/DigLit.

FEDERAL FUNDING DISCLOSURE

Phase 2 of the Digital Literacy Initiative, DigLit 2.0, is fully funded by FY2023 Community Project Funding totaling $1 million (100%) from the U.S. Department of Labor with 0% ($0.00) financed from non-federal sources.

麻州慶祝醫療科研再進一步 Cellino和MBG合作治療帕金森症新法 (圖片)

 

牛頓市退休醫師被騙走將近50萬美元

            (Boston Orange 摘譯) 一名住在牛頓市的 72 歲醫生相信了打電話給她的人是聯邦毒品探員和美國財政部案件經理，同意轉帳以釐清她和從事非法毒品交易帳戶之間關係，以避免被捕，結果9天之內被騙走50萬美元。

米斗塞郡檢察官瑪麗安·里安 （Marian Ryan） 和牛頓市警察局長喬治·麥克曼斯 （George McMains） 3月25日 (週二)在一份聯合聲明中表示，案件發生在去年 12 月，冒充美國緝毒探員和財政部個案經理的一男一女，打電話給受害者，聲稱有人以她的名義開了22個帳戶，而她得為這些帳戶中用於非法毒品交易的200萬美元負責。

根據檢察官遞交的一份長3頁事實說明，假冒者告訴受害者，為了防止身份盜竊，她必須把她所有的資產轉到美國財政部那兒，然後她會拿到一張財政部支票，以確保這些資產。如果她不合作，聯邦調查局探員就會逮捕她。

所謂的美國財政部”案件經理”接著打去電話，指導這名受害婦女如何把他的資產變成金條，並在特定地點及時間，交給遞送員，然後她的社會安全號碼會更改，她的錢也會被退回來。

受害婦女於是把她退休帳戶的錢全都拿了出來，買成金條。

12月17日，她把價值34萬2000員的12根金條交給了遞送員，然後在12月24日又交付了價值8萬8955元的另外3根金條。2天後的12月26日，她又匯4萬9755元進騙子指定的一個銀行戶口。

當這名受害婦女的兒子明白發生了什麼事時，他聯繫了牛頓市警察，於是警方佈署了一場誘捕行動。

              1月3日，一名臥底警察假扮成受害者，在牛頓市星巴克和一個名叫大衛的遞送員見面，遞交了另一筆16萬5000元款項。

              他們交換了密碼後，這名遞送員，也是本案嫌犯，紐約皇后區 23 歲的 Vishal Kumar，收下這份包裹，接著就當場被捕了。

              Kumar上週五在米斗塞郡高等法院出庭時，聲稱自己無罪，因未能繳交50萬元現金的保釋金，羈押在米斗塞郡監獄。根據法庭文件，他的下一次出庭日期為4月2日。

              調查人員還在繼續調查共犯。警方的聲明並未說明受害者是誰，但強調損失金額巨大，將近50萬美元。騙子利用了多方接觸，讓受害者相信他們的假冒身份，然後再利用恐懼心來嚇唬受害者就範，這些都是金融罪犯慣用的手段。

              一個大陪審團在2月26日時，起訴了Kumar。

Governor Healey Appoints New Member to Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

Governor Healey Appoints New Member to Board of Elementary and Secondary Education  

EVERETT — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the swearing-in of Dr. Christina Grant as the newest member of the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Dr. Grant is the Executive Director of the Center for Education Policy Research (CEPR) at Harvard University and brings a wealth of experience in education leadership, strategic management, and data-driven policy.  

 

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Christina Grant to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “Her leadership and deep commitment to evidence-based policy will be an invaluable asset as we continue to strengthen our education system and advance opportunities for all Massachusetts students.”

 

“Dr. Grant’s extensive experience in education policy and leadership will bring valuable insight to the Board,” said Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Chair Katherine Craven. “Her commitment to data-driven solutions and her track record of fostering academic excellence make her a tremendous addition to our efforts to support and improve schools throughout the Commonwealth.” 

 

Dr. Grant’s distinguished career spans roles as an educator, administrator, and executive in some of the nation's largest school systems. At CEPR, she leads efforts to unite researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in creating transformative partnerships grounded in rigorous research, with a focus on improving student outcomes and academic acceleration. 

 

Dr. Grant previously served as the State Superintendent of Education for the District of Columbia, where she oversaw grants, standards, assessments, and accountability for elementary and secondary schools. She led the first revision of social studies standards in 20 years and directed a $100 million investment in post-pandemic academic recovery programs. 

 

“Joining the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is a remarkable opportunity to contribute to a vision of transformative education for all students,” said Dr. Christina Grant. “I am committed to leveraging my experience in evidence-based policy and systems leadership to ensure every student in the Commonwealth is equipped to succeed in our ever-evolving global landscape.” 

 

Prior to her role in D.C., Dr. Grant served as the Chief of Charter Schools and Innovation for The School District of Philadelphia, where she played a pivotal role in redesigning accountability metrics and managing the district’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

Dr. Grant has served as a lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, where she taught courses on educational leadership. She began her career as a public-school teacher in Harlem and has held leadership positions at the Great Oaks Foundation and the New York City Department of Education. 

 

Dr. Grant holds a doctorate in education with a focus on organizational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, two master's degrees—one in organizational leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, and one in teaching and adolescent reading from Fordham University—and a bachelor's degree from Hofstra University. 

Learn more about the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the members’ full bios.

Trump Administration Delays Critical Lead Pipe Replacement Funds $50 million in funds are critical for replacing harmful lead pipes

Trump Administration Delays Critical Lead Pipe Replacement Funds $50 million in funds are critical for replacing harmful lead pipes

Boston — Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, and State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg issued the following statements today on the Trump Administration’s delay of critical funds for lead pipe replacement.

“The Trump Administration has delayed more than $50 million in federal funding for lead service line replacement in Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Funding local projects is vital to get lead out of our drinking water. Massachusetts has some of the oldest housing stock and water infrastructure in the nation, and lead service lines remain a threat to public health, particularly for young children. These funds stimulate our economy by creating construction jobs, replacing outdated infrastructure, and most importantly ensuring that residents are drinking safe, clean water. We urge the Trump Administration to cease this dangerous delay in critical funding.”

“Lead pipes pose serious health risks for Massachusetts residents, especially children and those living in poorer communities,” said Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. “Since day one, I have advocated for federal funding to address this pressing public health issue, and I will continue to speak out against policies that put the health and safety of our residents at risk.”

“This thoughtless delay is putting the safety and wellbeing of our most vulnerable residents at risk, especially our children,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust. “The federal funding we use addresses a critical health issue and allows us to invest in vital water infrastructure projects that directly benefit the people who need it most. Providing clean, lead-free drinking water should not be controversial.”

In May 2024, the EPA announced the 2024 Lead Grant allocation amount of $50.1 million. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the EPA allocates this funding to the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and Massachusetts Environmental Protection implements the program by selecting priority projects and partnering with municipalities and other recipients to ensure these critical infrastructure projects are completed as planned. These funds have facilitated the removal of harmful lead from drinking water by supporting public water systems for inventorying lead service lines and creating plans for the replacement of those lines. 

However, the Trump Administration is delaying allocation of the 2024 Lead Grant to the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust while it conducts a review against President Trump’s Executive Orders. There is no timeline for when the funds will be released, which will result in an unnecessary delay in continuing the important work by public water suppliers to detect and remove lead from their systems. In addition to the delay in the 2024 funding allocation, Massachusetts is still awaiting the EPA’s revised formula for the funding. Massachusetts officials have been advocating for an improved formula in line with previous allocations. If that formula changes, it could impact the amount of the 2025 and 2026 grants. 

西蒙斯大學布魯克蘭大道宿舍區將大規模改建成附綠地高樓

               (Boston Orange 摘譯) 西蒙斯大學 (Simmons University)和瑞典建築公司Skanska合作，將把西蒙斯大學的波士頓校舍，改建成訂名為「長木地 (Longwood Place)」的綜合用途大樓。

              這翻修計畫在今年3月遞進波士頓計畫局 (Boston Planning Department)，將分多階段進行，旨在位於布魯克蘭大道 (Brookline)和 朝聖路 (Pilgrim)的把4.7公頃校地，改建為綜合用途大樓。

第一階段預定2027年動工，佔地100萬平方英尺，要蓋17層高，包括可負擔住宅，有227個單位的大樓，一棟15層高商業大樓，以及一棟13層高的研究實驗室、辦公室，以及醫療/門診空間。

這一發展計畫將取代西蒙斯大學現有的13棟狀況不佳大樓，包括宿舍及體育場等。

第一階段的主要內容包括502個地下停車位，28500平方英尺的零售及商用空間，1.9公頃的開放空間，藉以紓緩長木醫療區 (LMA)一帶缺乏設施及綠地狀況。

值得注意的公共區域包括「主心 (Main Heart)」，沿著布魯克蘭大道的一個31,000平方呎開放空間，以及一個有水景、藝術品及座椅的中央銜接處。

這發展計畫還將更新景觀及交通，例如在布魯克蘭大道上建新的路燈，人行道。長木醫療區 (LMA)是一個有73,000人在那兒工作，24,000學生在那兒學習的地方，目前卻公共空間有限，人行道狹窄，用餐選擇很少。這些都是「長木地」想要改善的。

在財務上，這一發展計畫將為波士頓住宅及人力發展基金貢獻1830萬元，給波士頓公園及娛樂局700萬元，給交通改善400萬元。

著名建築公司，包括Elkus Manfredi 建築和Sasaki在做設計，盡量減少對鄰近綠玉項鍊公園系統造成的陰影，卻同時能加強這個鄰里的特色。

西蒙斯大學把這塊土地租給Skanska 99 年，換取Skanska為西蒙斯大學建造一棟18層高，內有1100張學生床，有運動及用餐設施，預定2026年啟用的「生活及學習中心」。

一旦完全建成，長木地將在5.9公頃的土地上佔用170平方英尺，第二期工程再增加一棟14層高住宅大樓，以及一棟18層高商用樓，以及2.8公頃的開放空間。

這一發展計畫志在重振布魯克蘭大道上的宿舍群，為長木醫療區，以及鄰近社區創造一個生氣蓬勃的樞紐。

Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council Approves New Projects to Receive Nearly $4.7 Million in State Tax Credits Projects Will Create 309 New Jobs, Retain 469 Existing Jobs, and Spur $18 Million in Private Investment

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) approved five projects for participation in the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP), a program that seeks to create new jobs and help businesses grow by offering credits to lower taxes in exchange for job creation. The projects will receive $4,686,188 in state tax credits and are expected to create 309 net new jobs, retain 469 jobs statewide, and leverage approximately $18 million in private investment.   The EACC also approved three new Vacant Storefront Projects that will receive EDIP refundable tax credits of $10,000 each.   “Massachusetts continues to be a leader in fostering business growth and job creation. Through the Economic Development Incentive Program, we are making strategic investments that will drive innovation, support industries critical to our state and ensure long-term economic resilience,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “From manufacturers to small storefronts, we are strengthening our economy and ensuring that communities across Massachusetts have the tools they need to thrive.”  “The Economic Development Incentive Program remains a vital tool in supporting businesses and helping them expand, create jobs, and invest in our communities,” said Undersecretary of Economic Foundations Ashley Stolba. “This latest round of awards highlights the diverse range of industries that contribute to our economy, from high-tech manufacturing to small businesses revitalizing downtown districts. We are excited to see these projects drive growth and opportunity across Massachusetts.”  Two of this round’s applicants are manufacturers and two are projects located in Gateway Cities. The projects include:   EDIP Certified Projects  EDIP is designed to foster job creation and stimulate business growth. A company that participates in EDIP may receive state tax credits and local property tax incentives, or tax incremental financing (TIF), in exchange for a commitment to create new jobs, retain existing jobs, and commit private investment to the project.  CD PROJEKT RED Inc. & The Molasses Flood - Waltham  CD PROJEKT RED is an independent video game development studio based in Poland that has produced popular games like The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077. The company is seeking to expand its presence in Massachusetts by leasing an additional 9,147 square feet of space and investing approximately $4.5 million to outfit the space. The company expects to create 141 jobs over the next three years with an anticipated average salary of over $170,000 per job. The EACC has approved $2,128,188 in EDIP tax credits.  Petricca Industries Inc. & Unistress Corp. - Pittsfield  Unistress Corp. is a third-generation family business located in the City of Pittsfield that manufactures precast/prestressed concrete products used in the construction of concrete structures such as parking garages, bridges, stadiums and microchip plants. The company is seeking to expand manufacturing space by 15,510 square feet to support contracts for microchip plants in the northeast. The EACC approved $750,000 in EDIP tax credits and the City of Pittsfield approved a 10-year TIF valued at $652,786.  StormTrap LLC - Amesbury  StormTrap LLC, founded in 2002, provides environmentally friendly stormwater management solutions. The company specializes in designing and engineering precast concrete systems aimed at controlling the volume and discharge timing of stormwater runoff. The company is seeking to establish an East Coast presence by investing $370,000 to lease and improve 2,200 square feet of space that will allow the company to hire 25 permanent full-time employees in the next five years. The EACC approved $375,000 in EDIP tax credits.  Aved Electronics LLC - Lowell  Aved Electronics LLC designs and manufactures custom battery packs, cable harnesses, and electro­mechanical assemblies primarily for the medical device OEM market. Aved addresses these needs in high-reliability applications for security, robotics, oceanographic, and industrial applications. The company intends to invest $5 million to move from a 52,000-square-foot facility in Billerica to an 80,000-square-foot facility in Lowell. The project is anticipated to retain 172 jobs and create 76 new permanent full-time employees. The EACC approved $1,125,000 in EDIP tax credits and the City of Lowell waived $75,000 in permitting fees.  Ja’Duke Inc. - Greenfield  Ja'Duke offers childcare, performing arts, and drivers’ education courses in Turners Falls. The company is investing more than $2 million to purchase and renovate 270 Main Street in Greenfield into a 25,000-square-foot educational space that will complement its existing location. The EACC approved $270,000 in EDIP tax credits and the City of Greenfield approved a five-year TIF valued at $20,585.  Vacant Storefront Program   The Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program helps municipalities revitalize their downtowns and commercial areas. Municipalities may apply to the EACC to designate a defined downtown or other commercial area as a Certified Vacant Storefront District. After such a designation, a business may secure a commitment of local matching funds in order to apply to the EACC for refundable EDIP tax credits for leasing and occupying a vacant storefront in that district.  Pulse Café - Springfield  Pulse Cafe offers handcrafted, plant-based food to the Pioneer Valley. Pulse currently operates in Hadley. The EACC awarded Pulse Café $10,000 in EDIP state tax credits and the City of Springfield provided the business with $25,615 of Community Development Block Grant funds, which is a federal program that supports community development activities to build stronger and more resilient communities, to support the business’s second location in Springfield.  Skin by Terry - Medford  Skin by Terry provides specialized skincare services tailored to the unique needs of minority skin. The EACC awarded Skin by Terry $10,000 in EDIP state tax credits and the City of Medford provided the business with $10,000 of Community Development Block Grant funds to support the business’s expansion.  Lazy Cat Lounge - Lowell  Lazy Cat Lounge is a combination coffee shop, gift shop and pet therapy business where patrons can book time in the "cat lounge." The EACC awarded Lazy Cat Lounge $10,000 in EDIP state tax credits and the City of Lowell provided the business with $30,000 interest-free, forgivable loan.

Trump Administration Delays Critical Lead Pipe Replacement Funds

 Trump Administration Delays Critical Lead Pipe Replacement Funds 

$50 million in funds are critical for replacing harmful lead pipes 

BOSTON – Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, and State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg issued the following statements today on the Trump Administration’s delay of critical funds for lead pipe replacement. 

“The Trump Administration has delayed more than $50 million in federal funding for lead service line replacement in Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Funding local projects is vital to get lead out of our drinking water. Massachusetts has some of the oldest housing stock and water infrastructure in the nation, and lead service lines remain a threat to public health, particularly for young children. These funds stimulate our economy by creating construction jobs, replacing outdated infrastructure, and most importantly ensuring that residents are drinking safe, clean water. We urge the Trump Administration to cease this dangerous delay in critical funding.” 

“Lead pipes pose serious health risks for Massachusetts residents, especially children and those living in poorer communities,” said Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. “Since day one, I have advocated for federal funding to address this pressing public health issue, and I will continue to speak out against policies that put the health and safety of our residents at risk.” 

“This thoughtless delay is putting the safety and wellbeing of our most vulnerable residents at risk, especially our children,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust. “The federal funding we use addresses a critical health issue and allows us to invest in vital water infrastructure projects that directly benefit the people who need it most. Providing clean, lead-free drinking water should not be controversial.” 

In May 2024, the EPA announced the 2024 Lead Grant allocation amount of $50.1 million. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the EPA allocates this funding to the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and Massachusetts Environmental Protection implements the program by selecting priority projects and partnering with municipalities and other recipients to ensure these critical infrastructure projects are completed as planned. These funds have facilitated the removal of harmful lead from drinking water by supporting public water systems for inventorying lead service lines and creating plans for the replacement of those lines.  

However, the Trump Administration is delaying allocation of the 2024 Lead Grant to the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust while it conducts a review against President Trump’s Executive Orders. There is no timeline for when the funds will be released, which will result in an unnecessary delay in continuing the important work by public water suppliers to detect and remove lead from their systems. In addition to the delay in the 2024 funding allocation, Massachusetts is still awaiting the EPA’s revised formula for the funding. Massachusetts officials have been advocating for an improved formula in line with previous allocations. If that formula changes, it could impact the amount of the 2025 and 2026 grants.