Foxboro receives municipal services grant

The town of Foxboro was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association, the town's property and casualty insurance provider, to purchase vital trench shoring and confined space equipment that will enhance safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance across municipal operations.

The new equipment is being used to protect workers from the risks of cave-ins during excavation projects and to improve safety protocols in high-risk confined spaces such as tanks and vaults.

These upgrades have strengthened safety practices, reduced the likelihood of accidents, and helped ensure compliance with U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. In addition to improving worker protection and reducing incidents, the equipment has increased operational efficiency by enabling crews to complete projects more quickly and confidently while maintaining strict safety standards.

"This grant has made a meaningful difference in our ability to protect our workforce and carry out essential projects safely," said Town Manager Paige Duncan. "Beyond the immediate safety improvements, it's helping us foster a stronger culture of safety and accountability across our organization. We're grateful to MIIA for supporting these important investments, which allow us to enhance safety, improve efficiency, and better serve the community."

For the 2025 fiscal year, the insurance provider awarded $1 million to fund over 150 grant requests from members for public safety activities and equipment. Municipalities were able to conduct HVAC evaluations, purchase confined space safety equipment, and conduct boiler and water loss prevention measures, among many other initiatives.

"This grant is about real-world impact – helping municipalities reduce claims, safeguard municipal assets, and protect workers," said Stan Corcoran, MIIA Executive Vice President. "Helping our members build safer communities is central to MIIA's mission, and we're pleased to support Foxboro as it strengthens efforts to prevent losses and protect both employees and residents."

MIIA is a membership service of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. As a mission-driven, member-led nonprofit, MIIA focuses on providing Massachusetts municipalities and other governmental entities with insurance coverage alternatives, quality risk management, and wellness programs.

For over four decades, MIIA has proudly supported its members in their efforts to build stronger communities, foster safer work environments, and implement programs that promote the health and well-being of their employees. For more information, visit www.emiia.org and www.mma.org.