Representative Geraldo Alicea Announces Launch of $100 Million Infrastructure Grant Initiative 

Massachusetts Opportunity Relocation and Expansion (MORE) Jobs program helps municipalities partner with developers to upgrade infrastructure

Representative Geraldo Alicea (D-Charlton) is pleased to announce the launch of the $100 million Massachusetts Opportunity Relocation and Expansion (MORE) Jobs Capital Program, which helps cities and towns pay for infrastructure needed to spur economic development.

“I am excited that the Commonwealth is able to offer this new tool to not only private developers, but also cities and towns who are working hard to bring good quality companies and good quality jobs to Massachusetts,” Representative Alicea said. 

MORE Jobs was established in an economic stimulus bill that was passed by the legislature and signed into law last year. The program provides grant funding to help finance the public infrastructure associated with business expansion and relocation projects. 

In total, $100 million has been authorized for grants to qualifying projects. Grants must be used for infrastructure improvements, such as water and sewer connections, roadway enhancements, and utility upgrades. 

In order to receive a grant, a city or town and a for-profit business entity must jointly submit an application to the Secretary of Economic Development. Applications will be reviewed by an advisory committee, and grants will be awarded on a competitive basis. 

To be eligible for a grant, the business associated with a project must: 

• Generate substantial sales from outside the Commonwealth

• Create at least 100 new permanent full-time jobs in Massachusetts within 24 months 

• Maintain the newly created jobs for at least 5-years 

Guidelines and applications are now available online at (www.mass.gov/MOREJobs). Applications for 2007 are due May 1.