Boston, MA – Today, U.S. Representative Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08) co-hosted a workshop with Frank Callahan, President of the Massachusetts Building Trades Unions (MBTU), to explain the process by which cities and towns can successfully apply for federal infrastructure grants.  Attendees from 16 cities and towns had the opportunity to learn how to best position their communities to access federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Town officials were able to ask questions about the application process, and discuss any challenges they might face when applying for federal grants. 

“This workshop provided important information and training to municipal officials and employees, and I thank the Massachusetts Building Trades Unions for their help in coordinating and co-hosting this event," said Rep. Lynch. "We had a huge turnout of attendees, which included officials from over 75% of the cities and towns in my district, as well as many local building trades unions. We had an in-depth discussion on the benefits of partnering with established apprenticeship programs and the importance of collaboration between local, state, and federal officials to ensure success. I look forward to continuing to work together with my local and state partners across my district to help our communities maximize the opportunity to receive available federal funds to update infrastructure and protect our environment.

“I am grateful to MBTU President Frank Callahan and Dan McNulty for their help in organizing this workshop, as well as Pat Mulkerrin, President of the Quincy and South Shore Building Trades Council, and Dave Fantini, President of the Brockton and Vicinity Building Trades Council," continued Lynch. "My thanks to the Sprinkler Fitters Local 550 for allowing us to use their union hall and to my brothers and sisters in labor who attended. I was honored to host so many local officials and staff from across my district to help provide clarity and guidance when applying for federal grants."

Officials and employees from Abington, Avon, Braintree, Brockton, Canton, Dedham, East Bridgewater, Hingham, Milton, Norwood, Quincy, Stoughton, Walpole, West Bridgewater, Weymouth, and Whitman attended the workshop. 

This year, $7.3 billion of BIL funding was announced to fund 293 projects across Massachusetts, including $5.8 billion for transportation, $3.4 billion for roads and bridges, $1.6 billion for public transit, $254.9 million for clean transportation, $115.8 million for climate resiliency projects, and $90.7 million for ports and waterways. There has also been $571 million in public funding announced for grants, rebates and other initiatives for clean energy, clean buildings, and clean manufacturing.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included approximately $1.2 trillion in infrastructure spending and the Inflation Reduction Act authorized $891 billion in federal assistance.