MassDOT consolidates discretionary grants; Needham applies for Mark Tree Road design funding

Town staff briefed the Mobility Planning and Coordination Committee on recent changes to Massachusetts Department of Transportation grant programs and how Needham plans to pursue design funding for a local project.

Staff reported that MassDOT has moved to a 'fully integrated application' that allows a single municipal submission to be evaluated across several discretionary programs (Community Culvert, Paved Roads & Green, Complete Streets, Bottleneck Reduction, Small Bridge, and Shared Streets & Spaces). The intent, staff said, is to broaden participation among municipalities by simplifying applications.

According to staff, the integrated approach now makes design an eligible expense: “they're awarding design grants up to a $150,000,” the presenter said, and construction awards “can now be awarded up to 1000000 dollars, which is, twice the size of previous awards.” The application process has two cycles annually (early in the year and a second round in summer/fall), and Chapter 90 funding remains a separate program.

DPW confirmed it submitted a design‑grant application in the recent round for the Mark Tree Road project to fund additional design tasks (drainage and related transportation work). Staff said they expect to apply for a construction grant for the same project in the June round if design work is complete and that they intend to apply in future rounds as opportunities arise.

Committee members asked whether larger award sizes would mean fewer awards statewide; staff answered that MassDOT’s intent is to increase participation and that the change is meant to lower barriers and expand access, not simply reduce the number of awardees. Members discussed aligning the town’s prioritization list and capital plan with the new grant opportunities.

The committee voted to adjourn at the meeting’s close following the funding update.