State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough), State Representative Simon Cataldo (D-Concord), and State Representative Danillo Sena (D-Acton) congratulate the Town of Acton on securing over $2.3 Million in state grants through the FY26 round of the Community One Stop for Growth to support housing infrastructure, transportation improvements, and economic revitalization through public art. The grants come from three separate Massachusetts programs: the HousingWorks Infrastructure Program, the MBTA Community Catalyst Fund, and the MA Vacant Storefront Program.
All three elected officials want to thank Town Manager John Mangiaratti and the Acton Select Board for their support for these projects. Additionally they would like to thank the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC) Secretary Edward Augustus for the HousingWorks Infrastructure Program grant; Secretary of Transportation Monica Tibbits-Nutt for the MBTA Community Catalyst Fund grant; and Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley and Acton Economic Director Patricia Costa for the MA Vacant Storefront Program grant.
In addition to these three grants, Senator Eldridge and Representatives Cataldo and Sena presented a $100,000 check from Massachusetts Fair Share to the Town for improvements to the South Acton MBTA station. Details about all four grants follow.
$1.75M grant from HousingWorks Infrastructure Program
Acton has been awarded $1,750,000 through the HousingWorks Infrastructure Program to support critical infrastructure improvements tied to the Town’s efforts to expand housing under the MBTA Communities Law. This funding will enable the construction of an influent equalization tank at the Middle Fort Pond Brook Wastewater Treatment Facility. The 300,000-gallon covered, above-ground tank is a key component required by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to accommodate increased wastewater flow from Rivage at Acton, a new multifamily development within the Town’s MBTA Communities District.
“The installation of new wastewater infrastructure is vital to the continued growth and success of the Powdermill Road Corridor, a unique partnership between Acton and Maynard, including the multifamily housing development Rivage that is under construction along the Assabet River,” said State Senator Eldridge.
“This investment in Acton’s wastewater infrastructure represents the kind of forward-thinking planning that ensures our communities can grow responsibly,” said State Representative Simon Cataldo. “By supporting both housing expansion and environmental stewardship, Acton is modeling how towns can meet the needs of new residents while protecting vital local resources.”
$500K grant from MBTA Community Catalyst Fund
Acton received $500,000 to advance the design of the Central Street Complete Streets project. The initiative aims to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety between West Acton Village, South Acton Village, and the South Acton MBTA Station. This grant will be used for new sidewalks, a shared-use path, ADA-compliant ramps, intersection realignments, crossing enhancements, and traffic calming measures. The funds will also help design the high-priority segment from Main Street to Martin Street, positioning the Town for future construction and development within the MBTA Communities Overlay District.
“Fostering the expansion of walkable, bikeable and accessible streets is important to creating more sustainable and vibrant communities,” said State Senator Eldridge. “Acton is leading the way on making our streets safer, greener, and suited for all to enjoy in town.”
“Acton is a leader in sustainability, and expanding access to walkable and bikeable streets is vital to these efforts,” said State Representative Sena.
“Complete Streets projects like this one in Acton don’t just make travel safer — they knit our communities together,” said State Representative Cataldo. “This funding will help connect residents to schools, businesses, and transit.”
$50K grant from the Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program
Acton has also received $50,000 through the Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program to launch One Mile Artfronts, an innovative initiative to activate vacant storefronts along Great Road. The project will install murals, sculptures, and other public art, many accessible from the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, to draw visitors, support local artists, and transform empty commercial spaces into works of art.
“The creation of public art in Acton will boost tourism and recreation, and add to the draw and charm of the town and the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail,” said State Senator Eldridge. “Supporting local businesses and artists through art projects builds a sense of community and brings joy to all.”
“Public art is an important part of the cultural makeup of our towns, and this grant will help add beautiful art while supporting local businesses and artists,” said State Representative Sena.
$100K from Mass Fair Share
The Mass Fair Share #MillionairesTax continues to deliver on transportation. Senator Eldridge, Representative Simon Cataldo, and Representative Danillo Sena joined Acton Assistant Town Manager Thomas Begin, Select Board members David Martin and Jim Snyder-Grant, Economic Development Director Patricia Costa, and DPW Director Corey York for the presentation of a Big Check for $100,000 for platform improvements on the south side of the South Acton MBTA train station.
A lot has happened on the Maple Street side of the station in the past six years: two new parking lots, the Assabet River Rail Trail — and now, the Acton Food Pantry is moving into the historic Maple Street buildings. Acton Town Manager John Mangiaratti reached out to Senator Eldridge last year, asking for pathway improvements from the parking lots to the train platform.
Material for this article adapted from multiple press releases and from Senator Eldridge‘s Facebook page
