Baker-Polito Administration Awards $2 Million in Community Compact IT Grants to 52 Cities and Towns

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $2 Million in Community Compact IT Grants to 52 Cities and Towns

Grants fund innovative IT projects, technology infrastructure upgrades and software or equipment purchases

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito today awarded $2 million to 52 cities and towns across the Commonwealth to drive local technological transformation and improvement projects through the Community Compact Information Technology (IT) Grant Program.

“Strengthening the partnerships between cities and towns and the Commonwealth has been a priority for our administration,” said Governor Baker, “and these grants are key to supporting investments in technology projects and upgrades that aid municipalities in streamlining and improving service for their constituents.”

Announced at the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s (MMA) Annual Meeting in January, the Community Compact IT Grant Program awards cities and towns up to $400,000, and the expertise of the Office of Municipal and School Technology within MassIT, to implement and invest in one-time technology infrastructure, software and equipment  upgrades or planning, design, installation and training costs.

“We are proud to support these 52 municipalities in making technological advancements for the development of their communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Polito. “The grants will allow cities and towns to undertake projects critical to their successes, including modernizing financial systems, implementing wireless networks, and digitizing records.”

“The competition for the $2 million of available funding from the Governor’s Fiscal Year 2017 Capital Budget was intense, with more than 100 eligible municipalities applying for grants,” said Kristen Lepore, Secretary of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance. “The 52 communities chosen today met the overarching goal of driving innovation and transformation at the local level through investments in technology.”

Examples of Community Compact IT Grant Program Initiatives:

• Implementing boards and commissions, dog licensing and voter check in database software for the Colrain town clerk’s office.
• Implementing a 311 system to connect the citizens of Haverhill, Fall River and Revere with their city.
• Modernizing financial systems in multiple communities that will transform the accuracy and efficiency of financial operations.
• Installing a radio communications relay tower for first responders in Phillipston to improve critical communications.
• Deploying mobile fire apparatus technology so first responders in Braintree are able to access critical information in the field.
• Installing new infrastructure in Hinsdale that allows for a water meter system that enables usage-based billing.
• Upgrading infrastructure to facilitate regional technology cooperation between Barre, Rutland, and Barre Regional Emergency Communication Center.

For a full list of awardees and projects, click here.

Lt. Governor Polito has championed the administration’s municipal partnerships, signing 221 Community Compacts thus far. Through the Community Compact program, municipalities have identified and implemented self-selected best practices in conjunction with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, ensuring a strong partnership between state and local government. More information on the program and how Compact Communities can apply is available at www.mass.gov/ccc.