Holyoke has received a second $200,000 grant from the Massachusetts Gaming Mitigation Fund, which will again go toward raising the city’s economic and tourism profile in Western Massachusetts. The fund is designed to assist communities economically affected by the MGM Springfield casino.
Plans include establishing a shuttle service between the casino and Holyoke, shuttling casino patrons into the city for annual events.
Aaron Vega, director of the city’s Office of Planning and Economic Development, emphasized the grant’s significance in the Holyoke’s ongoing efforts. The initial $200,000 grant awarded in 2019 paid for Holyoke’s comprehensive tourism plan.
Vega outlined the five major areas, or “buckets,” where the new funding will be directed.
