Dover’s application to fund construction on Wilsondale Street, over Powissett Brook, was approved for a $406,245 MassDOT grant. (Image Courtesy Town of Dover)
DOVER — The Town of Dover’s Department of Public Works (DPW) has been awarded a pair of grants, totaling $521,245, under the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) Community Culvert Grant Program.
Dover’s application to fund construction on Wilsondale Street, over Powissett Brook, was approved for a grant in the amount of $406,245.
The Town’s application to fund design work on Old Farm Road, where it crosses over freshwater wetland, was approved for a grant in the amount of $115,000.
Municipalities participating in the Community Culvert Grant Program enter into a contract with MassDOT for the completion of approved work. The deadline for all contracted work will be Dec. 31, 2027.
The reimbursement-based grant program, launched in 2025, provides funding to municipalities for the modernization, repair, replacement, removal and improved resiliency of culverts.
To be considered for funding, culverts are required to be located on a local public way with an existing span of 10 feet or less, and both new and ongoing projects were eligible for funding.
The Community Culvert Grant Program separately funds the design and construction of culvert projects.
Design grants are designated for the costs of design and permitting. Projects awarded a design grant, like the Old Farm Road project, are fully funded and advanced by a MassDOT-led prequalified design consultant in most cases.
Municipalities are responsible for the implementation of construction grants, like the Wilsondale Street project. Only projects that have completed design and permitting are eligible for a construction grant.
Projects were selected primarily on technical merit and need, as well as projects that deliver meaningful community, ecological, resilience, and transportation benefits.
The existing Wilsondale Street culvert is in poor condition and was identified by the Town as a priority for replacement. The existing culvert consists of an irregularly shaped, deteriorated open-bottom structure.
The existing Old Farm Road culvert is in poor condition and was also identified by the Town as a priority for replacement, primarily due to flooding of the roadway and nearby private property.
“Replacing the Wilsondale culvert and planning for the Old Farm Road culvert replacement are long‑overdue investments in the safety and resilience of our community,” said Dover Town Administrator Michael Blanchard. “After years of planning and multiple grant submissions, this funding allows us to modernize aging infrastructure, improve stormwater management, and reduce flooding risks without impacting local property taxes. We’re grateful for the MassDOT support that made this possible, and I want to especially thank Dover’s Director of Public Works Kevin McCabe for his leadership in planning these projects and submitting the grant applications. We remain committed to ensuring our roadways are safe, reliable, and accessible for residents and emergency vehicles for years to come.”
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