BRAINTREE, Mass. — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the award of nearly $7 million in federal grant funds to local governments and state agencies to enhance cybersecurity initiatives and reduce cyber risk for public agencies statewide.

 

The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority received $5,025, the town of Cheshire $13,224, and Monterey had the highest amount at $45,425.

 

"It's vital that our communities have access to the resources, tools, and guidance necessary to protect against increasingly frequent and sophisticated cybersecurity threats. Through these programs, our administration has undertaken a collaborative approach to equip state agencies and local communities with funding to help prevent, prepare for and recover from attacks on our digital infrastructure," said Gov. Maura Healey.

 

In February 2024, the administration announced that grant funds were available through two programs, the FY24 Municipal Local Cybersecurity Grant Program and FY24 State Share Cybersecurity Grant Program, to help local governments and state agencies undertake priority cybersecurity enhancements. On Monday, the programs awarded $6,820,897.57 in federal funding to support cybersecurity initiatives across the state. 

 

Seven state agencies received a combined $359,063.07 and 125 local agencies and municipalities received grants totaling $6,461,834.50.

 

The program prioritized funding for projects in rural communities, which the Federal Emergency Management Agency defines as any community with a population less than 50,000. At least 84 of the grants were awarded to municipalities meeting FEMA's definition of rural. Additional grants were awarded to regional divisions of government, such as county government and regional school districts, that benefit multiple communities, including rural towns.

 

Full press release and list of awards here.