Amendment ID: S2564-182

ECO 182

Downtown Recovery and Revitalization (Statewide)

Mr. Tarr moves that the proposed new text be amended in section 2A by inserting the following new item:

1599-20XX. For a reserve to promote downtown recovery and revitalization in areas across the commonwealth suffering the negative economic impacts of COVID-19 and not eligible for funding from item 1599-20XX; provided, that funds may be used to make grants through the Shared Streets and Spaces program administered by Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Massworks infrastructure program administered by the executive office of housing and economic development; provided further, that funds may be expended to acquire and improve, or to facilitate the private improvement or redevelopment of, abandoned, vacant, or underutilized properties in downtown areas, including through the transformative development initiative and underutilized properties program administered by Massachusetts Development Finance Agency; provided further, that funds may be granted to public entities for recovery planning and recovery plan implementation, community planning, and other technical assistance; provided further, that funds may be granted to public entities and non-profits for programs and services that aid businesses disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and located in these downtown areas; provided further, that funds may be used for other targeted and eligible downtown recovery initiatives, including in small towns and rural areas; provided further, that all or a portion of the funding appropriated by this line item may be transferred to Massachusetts Development Finance Agency to coordinate and support these expenditures; and provided further, that grants may include a requirement for matching funds………………….$250,000,000