Mattapoisett has been awarded $500,000 from the state to replace a bridge on Acushnet Road that crosses the Mattapoisett River it was announced on March 29.

The money is part of $16 million that was awarded to 36 communities for the funding of preservation, repair or replacement of bridges. The funding is the first round of awards to be given through the Municipal Small Bridge Program.

The program was signed into law in August by Gov. Charlie Baker and is a several-year $50 million program to aid in the replacement and preservation of municipally-owned small bridges. The bridges must not be eligible for federal funding and must be at high risk for full or partial closure in the near future due to present conditions.