As part of the Commonwealth’s investment in local roadway-safety initiatives, 186 Massachusetts towns and cities will receive more than $5.4 million in grant funds, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced Tuesday morning.
“Whether by vehicle, bicycle, or foot, everyone has the right to travel safely through our communities,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a press release. “Through this program, we were able to award grants to every community that requested funding. The education, enforcement, and outreach initiatives supported through these grants will help ensure safer roads for all.”
The funding comes through the fiscal year 2024 Municipal Road Safety Grant Program and will be provided to municipal police departments. Lynn, Nahant, Saugus, Swampscott, and Marblehead are among the recipients from the region.
Through the funding, the Lynn Police Department will receive $59,994.73, Marblehead Police will receive $39,999, Nahant Police will get $19,994, Swampscott Police will receive $28,860, and Saugus Police will receive $20,427.
“As a former mayor, I understand how important these grants are to ensuring safer streets in our neighborhoods,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said. “Every community seeks to enhance the safety of their roadways, but each faces unique needs. This program provides cities and towns the flexibility to identify and invest in the traffic-safety issues that are most pressing in their communities.”
According to the Office of Grants and Research, the program will fund community traffic-safety projects, road-safety equipment, initiatives for the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists, and educational campaigns about road safety for the public.
“Aggressive and dangerous driving is a threat to every road user. Providing local law-enforcement agencies with the resources necessary to enforce traffic laws and educate members of their communities about distracted, impaired, and aggressive driving is vital to ensuring the public’s safety,” Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy said. “These grants allow towns and cities to approach traffic-safety initiatives in ways that make the most sense for the community’s needs.”
