Massachusetts pours nearly $86 million into World Cup prep
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Massachusetts officials and organizers are pouring nearly $86 million into World Cup preparations.
Why it matters: Public safety officials and event organizers are bolstering safety and health resources to manage the crowds coming in for the seven matches set for Gillette Stadium.
State of play: Massachusetts has obtained nearly $76 million in federal funding to prepare for the seven matches set at Gillette Stadium, Gov. Maura Healey said Wednesday.
- That includes $46 million through FIFA's security grant program, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
- Massachusetts also received $21.2 million through the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program and $8.6 million from the Federal Transit Administration.
- That's all in addition to the $10 million in state funding lawmakers earmarked for the international tournament.
The funding will support security, public health and logistics for the games, watch parties and other events.
Yes, and: Lawmakers earmarked $10 million in a state supplemental budget bill for World Cup preparations, most of which has gone to cities and towns to support watch parties.
- Among the recipients was the U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce, which received $25,000 for watch parties in Boston, Brockton, Everett and Randolph.
By the numbers: More than 70 agencies have worked on statewide planning and coordination of the tournament, per Healey's office.
- The state has held five major exercises to prepare for emergency scenarios and held over 16 training classes and seminars for first responders, emergency managers and other officials.
- Just about every town's emergency management director has been briefed on the potential impacts.
What we're watching: Thursday's friendly match between Brazil and France will offer a glimpse into how ready Massachusetts is to respond to the crowds, traffic and any security issues that come up.