Southbridge has been awarded a $800,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Department of Housing and Community Development for housing rehabilitation and a downtown infrastructure project according to Rep. Geraldo Alicia, D-Charlton, and Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge. The grant is part of $26.7 million in federal Community Development Block Grants awarded to 55 communities across the Commonwealth.

“I am thrilled that this essential funding was awarded by the CDBG program for the town of Southbridge. This subsidy will go a long way in contributing to important local projects and improving housing opportunities in the area,” said Representative Alicea.

Commenting on the grant, Senator Moore added, "I am pleased to see this community development block grant allotted to the town of Southbridge. This funding will positively enhance and develop housing in Southbridge, and will help to boost the town in aesthetic appearance and with communal interactions."

The Community Development Block grant will help fund various targeted projects in the town of Southbridge, which will include the rehabilitation of twelve commercial units, the rehabilitation of seven housing units, and other infrastructure improvements.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is the Commonwealth’s largest available resource to provide municipalities with resources to implement community and economic development projects, and funds are distributed by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development to cities and towns with populations of less than 50,000.