Merrimac’s receipt of a state grant to replace just under 2,000 feet of water lines along Winter Street was recognized during a ceremony last Friday in Cummington.
The town was granted $436,000 from the state’s Rural Development Fund to improve water quality. The town was one of 49 rural communities across the state to share $10 million in grants.
“Our administration is committed to supporting economic development in all of our communities—especially our incredible rural communities that contribute so much to our economy,” said Gov. Maura T. Healey. “This $10 million in Rural Development Fund grants will help our rural towns to upgrade their infrastructure, support small businesses and spur economic growth.”
Merrimac is replacing existing six- and eight-inch water lines with a 12-inch line and enable the town to add new connections for each of the 16 single family residences and one 18-unit multi-family building on Winter Street.
The Mass Leads Act, a $4 billion economic development bill that Healey signed into law this fall reauthorizes several programs in the Community One Stop for Growth, including the Rural Development Fund.