NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Northampton was awarded $25,000 from the state to help minimize the impact on the community during the downtown redesign. According to a news release sent to 22News from the office of Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra, the funds provided by the Healey-Driscoll Administration will be used to support the "POP: Pardon Our Progress" committee's strategies to mitigate the impact of construction in downtown Northampton and hire consultant services through the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative (MDI) Program. Northampton looking to fill vacant storefronts in downtown The downtown redesign called the Picture Main Street project, will address several critical needs such as safety, accessibility, vibrancy, and climate resiliency with the help of more than $22 million in state and federal funds. It will also replace sewer and stormwater infrastructure.  "This award is a significant step forward for POP's mission to enhance and sustain the vitality of our downtown during this transformative time," shared Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra. "We are grateful to the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Program and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their support in helping us manage this transition smoothly and effectively." Construction is expected to begin next fall. Local News Headlines Northampton awarded funds to reduce impact of downtown redesign MassPike overnight construction this week Which are the most popular Halloween candies in Massachusetts? List: Here are Massachusetts Big Lots stores that have or will be closed this year WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.