Blackstone Receives Over $90K in State Grants for Seniors and Public Safety

April 11, 2025

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Town Awarded Three New Grants: Here’s What It Means for Blackstone

At the April 8 Board of Selectmen meeting, Town Administrator Chad Lovett shared some exciting news: Blackstone has been awarded funding through three different grants—all aimed at supporting key community services like senior transportation and fire safety.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s coming and how it will impact our town:

New Van for the Senior Center — Funded by MassDOT Grant

What’s happening?
Blackstone will be receiving a new van for the Senior Center through MassDOT’s Community Transit Grant Program.
What kind of van?
A Type A vehicle (essentially a small bus van) valued at $81,089.
How is it being paid for?
- MassDOT (State) will cover 85% of the cost: $68,926 (They will procure the vehicle so it isn’t a reimbursement)
- The Town is responsible for 15%: $12,163
- But here’s the good part: The $12,163 will come from the Senior Center’s van donation account—the same one residents contribute to when they make optional donations for rides.
Why it matters:
This grant means our seniors will soon have a safer, more reliable vehicle, replacing the aging van currently in use—with no direct cost to taxpayers.

Fire Department Wins Two “SAFE” Grants

The Fire Department has secured funding through the FY25 SAFE and Senior SAFE Grant Programs:

SAFE (Student Awareness of Fire Education) Grant: $4,700
- Supports school visits, fire safety presentations, and educational giveaways like toy helmets and water bottles.
- Helps cover firefighter overtime when they visit schools and youth programs.
Senior SAFE Grant: $2,200
- Funds fire education programs for senior housing facilities.
- Can also possibly include tools like “Knox Boxes” (small, secure lockboxes that go over a front door and store a spare key).
  - These allow emergency personnel to safely access a senior’s home without damaging the door in an emergency.
  - Only the Fire Department holds the master key to open them.
Why it matters:
These grants help protect some of our most vulnerable residents—kids and seniors—through education and life-saving resources.

More Safety Gear for Firefighters

The Fire Department was also awarded $2,278.81 through the Firefighter Safety & Equipment Grant (Round 2).
What it’s for:
This funding will go toward purchasing PFAS-free protective clothing and gear for our firefighters.
Why it matters:
While the amount isn’t enough for full turnout gear, it will help buy additional protective equipment, keeping our first responders safer on the job.