Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches $14.5 Million Program to Upgrade Lab Facilities on Public Higher Education Campuses

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches $14.5 Million Program to Upgrade Lab Facilities on Public Higher Education Campuses  

Fair Share funding will enable projects to modernize labs and other applied learning spaces, improving workforce training opportunities for students 
 

Boston — Today, Governor Maura Healey announced the Program for Applied Learning Space Modernization, a new initiative to support effective workforce development in Massachusetts by renovating applied learning spaces on the 29 UMass, State University, and Community College campuses. Through the Program, the Healey-Driscoll Administration will distribute $500,000 to every Massachusetts Institute of Higher Education (IHE) to fund the study and design of a project that modernizes instructional labs, studios, and other applied learning facilities.  

“Massachusetts’s public higher education system is not only critical to the students who attend our world-class schools—it is also a vital talent pipeline for the businesses and organizations that drive our economy and keep us competitive as a state,” said Governor Healey. “Through the BRIGHT Act that I filed earlier this year and the new program we’re launching today with the support of the Legislature, we’re investing in our campuses so that Massachusetts students are prepared to succeed in the workforce of the future.”  

"Massachusetts is the best state in the country to get an education, and our administration doesn't take that for granted,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The $500,000 we are distributing to every public higher education institute in the state will equip our campuses to continue providing the hands-on learning experiences that attract students from across the country to Massachusetts.”  

Projects funded through the Program will focus on enhancing student outcomes by improving learning environments, creating adaptable and inclusive spaces, and incorporating industry standard technology for innovative teaching.  

Earlier this summer, Governor Healey signed a $1.32 billion supplemental budget bill that invested surplus Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) revenues from the voter-approved Fair Share surtax, including the $14.5 million to be disbursed through this Program. 

The Program for Applied Learning Space Modernization builds on the Administration’s Workforce Skills Capital grants. In 2024, the administration awarded nearly $15 million to 65 high schools, colleges, and educational institutions to support schools and higher education institutions to upgrade technology and instructional lab spaces, expand career programs for young people and adults, and increase capacity in workforce training programs across Massachusetts. Further, the administration’s FY26-FY30 Capital Investment Plan (CIP), released in June, included $75 million for these grants.  

“This program will support our campuses in making important upgrades, providing students with modern and immersive spaces and tools to prepare them for the workforce and successful careers,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “It builds on the values showcased in the BRIGHT Act—ensuring students have the spaces, resources, and experiences they deserve. I am grateful to our colleges and universities for their continued commitment to transforming student learning so that students across the state can realize their dreams.” 

"Investments in the Massachusetts public higher education system pay off in our business community and our economy by supporting our highly trained and skilled workforce,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “With the BRIGHT Act filed earlier this year, our Administration proposed leveraging Fair Share revenues into new bonding capacity to enable generational improvements to our higher education infrastructure. The program we are launching today is a down payment on our BRIGHT proposal, and we are pleased to continue partnering with each IHE in Massachusetts to put these funds to work.”  

“Public higher education is one of the Commonwealth’s most powerful economic and equity engines,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. “Today, the Commonwealth reaffirms its commitment to workforce development through public higher education with the announcement of the Program for Applied Learning Space Modernization. I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for continuing to find innovative ways to support students, faculty, staff, and the Commonwealth.” 

“I commend the Governor’s initiative, which will support essential upgrades to instructional spaces across Massachusetts’ public higher education institutions. These modernization efforts will strengthen the Commonwealth’s ability to deliver high-quality, innovative education and help cultivate a pipeline of top-tier talent for our workforce. We look forward to continuing to work with Governor Healey and her team to support our higher education institutions and ensure our schools remain among the best in the nation,” said Representative Dave Rogers.  

“The entire Commonwealth benefits when students learn in spaces that match the high-quality education they receive at our public colleges and universities,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Healey-Driscoll Administration and to the legislature for their commitment to modernizing our campus spaces, because these investments are crucial to helping students learn, grow, and launch careers that meet workforce needs.”   

“Modernizing and improving the facilities for hands-on learning is critical to helping each of Massachusetts’ public higher education institutions meet the contemporary learning needs of their students,” said DCAMM Commissioner Adam Baacke. “DCAMM is grateful to the Legislature for their investment in addressing the facility needs of our higher education campuses and looks forward to continuing to partner with them to advance these projects into construction as immediate benefits from the BRIGHT Act once it is adopted.”  

To receive funding for a project, IHEs must complete a Request for Information (RFI) describing their proposed project by October 30, 2025. The administration expects to release the list of projects early in 2026.  

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Nearly $30 Million to Help Communities Prepare for Flooding, Heat Waves and Wildfires

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Nearly $30 Million to Help Communities Prepare for Flooding, Heat Waves and Wildfires 

This year’s grants expand support for rural and small-town infrastructure upgrades 

BOSTON– The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $28.7 million in grants to help 54 Massachusetts communities prepare for increasingly extreme weather – including heat waves, flooding, wildfires and storms. This year, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) made a targeted effort to recruit rural and small towns into the Massachusetts Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grant program, with $11.1 million going specifically to those areas. 

The funding supports real, on-the-ground improvements – such as rebuilding parks with shaded spaces where residents can cool off during heat waves, protecting wetlands that reduce flooding in neighborhoods, and designing safer, more affordable housing on higher ground. Other projects include new wildfire evacuation routes, culvert upgrades to stop roads from washing out, and emergency plans to protect people most at risk.  

“Communities across Massachusetts are already feeling the impacts of rising heat, flooding and other extreme weather. These grants give them the ability to prepare before disaster strikes – protecting homes, public spaces and essential services,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Preparation is the most affordable, effective way to protect people and avoid much higher costs down the road.” 

“As a former mayor, I know how hard it can be for local governments to take on complex challenges while still keeping up with day-to-day services,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “MVP gives communities the resources to tackle problems like upgrading Gallow Hills Park and Bertram Field in Salem with green infrastructure solutions to mitigate flooding without having to choose between urgent needs and long-term safety. 

The MVP Program is a statewide initiative that helps cities and towns plan and implement locally-driven strategies to deal with the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change. The program goes beyond funding plans – it helps communities turn those plans into action. Since its inception in 2017, MVP has funded over 500 projects ranging from stormwater system upgrades and cooling shelters to updated zoning and emergency response planning. 

This year’s initiative also emphasizes equity and inclusion. A new effort launched this year as part of MVP 2.0 pairs communities with equity partners – local organizations and individuals that specialize in community engagement. These partners help towns ensure that planning reflects the needs of all residents, especially those most at risk. 

The MVP program is also a core piece of Governor Healey’s recently proposed Mass Ready Act, which includes $315 million to further invest in local economies. 

“We’re seeing more communities step up to address the real impacts they’re facing – hotter summers, stronger storms and more frequent flooding,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “These grants support that work by funding practical, local solutions. This year, we’re proud to welcome 17 first-time MVP Action grantees – towns and cities that are taking action to protect residents and build a more resilient community. The demand for MVP also underscores the importance of the Mass Ready Act, which will allow us to continue to support communities as they contend with increasingly destructive storms and heat.”  

MVP is a priority program of ResilientMass, the statewide climate adaptation plan to reduce risk and strengthen communities in the face of climate change impacts.  

To streamline the application process for resilience projects, the next round of MVP Action Grants will be part of the new Environment and Climate One Stop. This unified application platform will allow applicants to access multiple EEA grant programs that fund climate resilience and restoration projects. This pilot initiative will be modelled after the Executive Office of Economic Development’s Community One Stop for Growth. More information is available on the initiative’s webpage:https://mass.gov/environment-climate-one-stop. EEA is accepting expressions of interest for new projects at this time.  

“Communities throughout our region continue to demonstrate strong leadership in preparing for the impacts of climate change, and these MVP Action Grants provide critical resources to support those efforts,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R–Gloucester). “Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for releasing this important funding for essential local initiatives in Ipswich, Salisbury, and West Newbury. These projects will not only enhance public safety and protect vital infrastructure but also strengthen the ability of our coastal and riverfront communities to withstand increasingly severe storms and flooding.” 

“Communities across our Commonwealth are grappling with hotter summers, stronger storms, and record flooding,” said State Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for expanding the Massachusetts Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grant program to include funding targeted for rural and small towns — ensuring that every community has the tools it needs to meet the challenges of a changing climate. This $11.1 million investment into our rural and small municipalities is driving forward key climate resilient infrastructure projects that are designed and constructed to serve our communities and residents for the next 100 years.” 

“Municipalities like Hull are on the front lines of climate change, and are among the first to feel the effects of sea level rise, flooding, and more intense storms,” said State Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull). “MVP is a catalyst for investment in resilience, making our environments healthier and local economies stronger. We are thrilled to see this investment in the Hampton Circle neighborhood.” 

“Two years ago, North Central Massachusetts faced devastating flooding that caused millions of dollars in damage,” said State Representative Michael P. Kushmerek (D – Fitchburg). “With this funding to support nature-based solutions, Fitchburg will be better equipped to manage future extreme weather events. I sincerely appreciate the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their partnership in prioritizing public safety and infrastructure investment.” 

“The Massachusetts Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program has been a game changer for the Berkshires, giving our towns the tools to plan for and reduce the risks of climate change,” said State Representative Leigh Davis (D – Great Barrington). “I’m thrilled to see two Third Berkshire projects supported — community-centered climate planning at Old Maid’s Park in Great Barrington and planning for a new Regional Public Safety Facility in West Stockbridge. These investments not only help us prepare for flooding, heat, and storms, they also make our parks more accessible, our neighborhoods safer, and our communities stronger for generations to come. I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for prioritizing local climate resilience and supporting what matters most in our towns.” 

The following communities will receive funding to complete MVP Action Grants this year: 

 

Grantee	Project Title	Total Amount
Abington (& Rockland)	Nature-Based Stormwater Resilience: Abington & Rockland Watershed Assessment	$350,000
Amherst (& Belchertown, Hadley, Shutesbury, Pelham)	Fort River Watershed Culvert Assessment & Prioritization Plan	$427,700
Avon	From Rain to Resource: The Water Journey Innovative Solutions for Groundwater Recharge	$222,700
Belchertown	Hop Brook Culvert Replacement	$2,764,404
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (& Clarksburg)	Four Corners Floodplain Restoration and Flood Resilience Phase II (Design/Permitting)	$445,020
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (& Pittsfield)	Pittsfield Westside Connectivity Project	$1,144,000
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (& Pittsfield, North Adams, Great Barrington, Becket)	Berkshire Climate Career Lab	$50,000
Boston	Boston Nature Center Wetland and Stream Restoration	$400,000
Brockton (& Avon)	D.W. Field Park Climate Resilience Project	$859,400
Brookfield	Rice Corner Cross Road Culvert Replacement	$605,676
Canton (& Boston, Dedham, Foxborough, Medfield, Norwood, Quincy, Stoughton, Westwood)	Resilient Neponset: Advancing Climate Resilience through Data Modeling and Engagement	$652,719
Chelsea	Stronger, Smarter, Greener: Implementing Resilient Zoning & Design in Chelsea	$313,600
Cohasset	Cohasset Social Resilience Coalition & Hub	$190,077
Concord (& Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers Watershed Communities)	Building a Regional Climate Collaborative for the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord (SuAsCo) Rivers Watershed	$450,000
Conway	Conway Flood Resilience Project	$330,300
Dennis	Pound Pond -Flood Mitigation and Storm Drainage Restoration Dennis, Massachusetts	$2,647,255
Fitchburg	Generating & Measuring Resilience in Downtown Fitchburg with Nature-Based Solutions 3.0 - Resilient Elm Street	$143,970
Franklin Regional Council of Governments (& Franklin County Communities)	Climate Resilient Water Use in Franklin County	$125,000
Great Barrington	Resilient Housatonic: Community-Centered Climate Planning at Old Maid's Park	$80,860
Hardwick (& Hubbardston)	Quabbin Regional School District Town Shelter Resilience Improvement Design and Permitting	$94,000
Hatfield (& Hadley)	Assessment, Maintenance, and NBS Improvements to Agricultural Drainage Channels	$179,000
Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe	Herring Pond Wampanoag - Tidmarsh Farms Homestead Planning and Acquisition Project	$196,230
Holyoke	Holyoke Wastewater System Vulnerability Assessment, Adaptation Plan, and Green Infrastructure	$390,000
Hopkinton	Hopkinton's Community-Led Resilient Land Initiative	$179,305
Hull	Resilient Park Transformation in Hampton Circle	$332,000
Ipswich	Ipswich Town Wharf Pump Station Relocation and Coastal Resilience Improvement Project	$282,000
Lawrence	River to Refuge: Tower Hill Waterfront- Río a Refugio: Tower Hill Frente al Río	$1,054,800
Lynn (& Holyoke, Haverhill)	Building on HEAL (Healthy Environments Advance Learning)	$150,000
Metropolitan Area Planning Council (& Salem)	Home Resilience Assessment Pilot	$151,155
Milford	Resilience Planning for Godfrey Brook	$598,524
Monson	Monson Cedar Swamp Co-Restoration Project	$213,000
Montague	The Hill Neighborhood Green Infrastructure Master Planning	$458,750
Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (& Merrimack Watershed Communities)	Merrimack Watershed Revive: A Vision for Regional Resilience Phase 2	$539,900
Orleans	Town of Orleans - Downtown and Town Cove Resilience Plan	$198,175
Oxford	Petroleum to Pollinator | Design to Restore a Former Gas Station Back to Nature | Phase 02	$218,500
Petersham	Community Resilience through Emergency Communication Planning	$100,000
Princeton (& Westminster)	Mount Wachusett Community Wildfire Protection Plan	$53,000
Rowe	Adapting Pelham Lake Park to a Changing Climate	$90,820
Salisbury	Salisbury Coastal Resilience Planning Project	$304,155
Shelburne	Dragon Brook: A Climate Resilient Watershed	$395,940
Somerville	Blessing of the Bay Urban Heat Resilience	$1,367,300
Southampton	Project Stay Cool: Empowering Southampton Against Extreme Heat	$82,770
Truro	Truro Rural Resilience Hubs Powering Emergency Shelter, Local Resilience, And Grid Reliability With Microgrids	$257,500
Uxbridge	Home Brew Dam Removal and Community Engagement	$458,310
Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah)	Creation of a Master Plan for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah)	$350,270
Warren	Rising Above: Warren's Plan for a Flood-Resilient Future	$234,035
West Newbury	Development of Alternatives to Address Flooding and Erosion along River Road and the bordering Merrimack River Shoreline in West Newbury, MA	$426,938
West Stockbridge (& Stockbridge, Richmond)	Resilient Regional Public Safety Facility Master Plan Feasibility Study and Design	$348,140
Westfield	Westfield Middle School Green Infrastructure Improvements	$810,200
Westhampton	Westhampton Elementary School Solar	$971,856
Williamsburg	Williamsburg Flood Resilience	$1,194,255
Woburn (& Mystic River Communities)	Hurld Park Heat-Resilient Nature Park: Construction	$2,451,500
Worcester	Resilient Worcester: Advancing Community Resilience through Data-Driven Decision Making (Integrated Flood Model), NBS Designs, and Education	$1,090,007
Worthington	Wood Pellet Heating System	$82,025
Total (54)		$28,507,041