Bristol County to receive grants for work force, projects

BOSTON – Massachusetts Gov. Deval L. Patrick this month announced state investments to three Bristol County communities aimed at boosting the area’s infrastructure, training new workers and aiding business growth.
Fairhaven, Fall River and New Bedford will benefit from the investments announced by Patrick, the governor’s office announced in a news release. The funding includes $7.3 million for harbor projects in Fairhaven and New Bedford, provided through the state’s Seaport Advisory Council. Two grants totaling $6.9 million from the council will provide funding for the dredging of New Bedford harbor, while a $400,000 grant will help fund a fixed pier, floating dock and boat ramp in Fairhaven.
In Fall River, the governor awarded Blount Fine Foods a grant for $157,194 to train 90 of its 106 employees. Blount will utilize this funding to enhance workers’ skills in the areas of production, logistics, sales and marketing, administration and management.
Also in Fairhaven, a $48,750 grant was awarded to Nye Lubricants Inc. The grant will train 120 employees to improve efficiency and increase production capacity, capture new international clients in the core automotive business and enter the aerospace market. &#8226