Last week, State Representative Paul Donato and I were happy to join Malden Neighbors Helping Neighbors to deliver food to Malden neighbors in need. Thanks to this incredible crew of volunteers, hundreds of meals have been delivered to Maldonians in need!
Malden’s legislative delegation and city leaders announced that the City of Malden was selected for the latest round of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Shared Streets and Spaces grant program. As a response to the economic and community impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Shared Streets and Spaces quick-launch/quick-build grant program provides for cities and towns to quickly implement or expand improvements to sidewalks, curbs, streets, on-street parking spaces and off-street parking lots in support of public health, safe mobility, and renewed commerce in their communities.
The City of Malden will receive $211,714.80 to create a dedicated bus lane to Malden Station, closing gaps between bicycle lanes and providing spaces along downtown streets to support additional outdoor dining and commerce.
“Updating transportation infrastructure to address the needs of commuters of all modalities and support small businesses is key to Malden’s future” said Representative Steven Ultrino. “These funds from MassDOT will make our roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists, bus riders, and drivers, while also giving Malden’s local businesses the space they need to continue serving our community during this difficult time. I’m proud to have advocated for this funding to support a strong future for all here in Malden.”
Successful Shared Streets and Spaces projects are designed to be implemented quickly, flexibly, at low cost, and without major roadway reconstruction. Grant recipients are also encouraged to consider how a successful project could eventually be made permanent.
Now that the City of Malden has been named a grant recipient, city officials and MassDOT will work together to advance the project.
The Baker-Polito Administration today announced an additional $11.1 million in grants to cities and towns through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program. The MVP program provides communities with funding and technical support to identify climate hazards, develop strategies to improve resilience, and implement priority actions to adapt to climate change. In this most recent round of funding, Malden will receive just over $150,000 for the Malden River Works project.
The Malden Rivers Works project is a coalition of community leaders of color, youth, environmental advocates, designers, and government officials working to develop accessible recreation spaces along the Malden River. Malden River Works also works to improve the Malden River's wildlife habitat and Malden’s flood resiliency. The $150,000 in Action Grants awarded to Malden River Works in this funding cycle will fund the group’s 2021 production of a complete community generated design for a park on the banks of the Malden River.
“We cannot wait to take action to mitigate climate change’s impact on our community. However, we can’t stop at taking action, we also need to ensure that the action we take is inclusive and equitable, and benefits every member of our community” said Representative Steven Ultrino (D-Malden). “Malden River Works’ intersectional approach to building climate resiliency in Malden represents exactly the kind of effort we need, and I’m proud to say that our Commonwealth will now fund that vision.”