HEATH — A state grant to fund upgraded information technology infrastructure and computer networks was awarded to the town.
The town will receive $55,000 to streamline municipal tax collection and to reduce the risk of business disruption, through the Information Technology Grant Program for Communities, which provides funding for one-time capital needs, such as technology infrastructure
“(We’re) very appreciative that our application was chosen from more than 100 eligible municipalities,” said Kara Leistyna, town coordinator. “This funding will allow Heath to make upgrades that help to resolve some long-standing issues and bring departments to current standards with other similar towns.”
The money will be used for updated tax collecting software and emergency management geographic information systems, which, among other things, provides accurate locations for mutual aid services responding to the town.
The grant is meant to help towns upgrade aging computer infrastructure and make government entities run more smoothly to save taxpayers money. According to the state’s website, the grant is very competitive, and supports innovative information technology projects.
Sunderland, Athol, Buckland, Charlemont, Colrain and Hawley were among more than 50 other towns in the state to receive similar information technology grants.
You can reach Andy Castillo at:
acastillo@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 263
On Twitter: @AndyCCastillo