FY2027 DCR Watershed System Salt Reduction Grant

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is offering up to $100,000 in FY 2027 grant funding to municipalities within the Wachusett, Quabbin, and Ware River watersheds that have more than ten miles of town roads. The grant is a matching‑grant (minimum 50 % cash match) that reimburses the purchase of approved equipment and technology aimed at reducing road‑salt usage, such as pavement temperature sensors, calibrated spreaders, brine‑production kits, flexible plow blades, and salt‑pile containment structures. Each eligible town may receive up to $20,000, with all equipment purchases required to be completed by 30 Jun 2027. Applications are due by 23 Oct 2026, and awarded contracts must be fully expended by the FY 27 deadline. • Eligible municipalities: 18 towns with ≥10 mi of roads in the specified watersheds. • Funding: Up to $20 k per town (≤ 50 % of total project cost), with a required ≥ 50 % cash match. • Eligible equipment: Sensors, automated spreaders, brine production/retrofit gear, flexible plow blades, salt‑pile containment; must have ≥ 5‑year life and unit cost ≥ $1,000. • Exclusions: Purchase of new vehicles, road‑salt material, and training costs. • Reporting: Provide past three winters’ salt‑use data and commit to reporting for the 2026‑27 season plus three subsequent winters.