Trustees of Reservation, which has partnered with the Town of Easton in the purchase of the former Governor Ames Estate on Oliver Street, will receive $500,000 worth of help for the state.,

Senator Brian A. Joyce told Easton selectmen Monday the town was awarded the money through the state's Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity grant during fiscal year 2013.

The money will go towards helping the Trustees of Reservation's purchase of the $4 million 30-acre estate, which is being sold by the Ames family.

At Town Meeting last May, the town voted to bond $500,000 in Community Preservation Act funds to purchase Conservation Restrictions for the land. The remaining $3 million will be raised by anonymous donors to the Trustees.

The State's LAND grant helps towns acquire land for conservation and outdoor recreational uses, according to Joyce. Funding for the grant comes from the Energy and Environmental Bond Bill, which was signed by Gov. Deval Patrick in 2008.

"It is just good news, and I’m delighted in a challenging economy to be able to share this with you," he told the selectmen.

Joyce said that between the $500,000 for Gov. Ames Estate,  $1 million for downtown revitalization and $1.5 million for a sewage treatment facility, the state has been able to award the town $3 million in recent months for infrastructure and revitalization.

"I wanted to commend quite a bit the town officials under [town administrator] David Colton and this board of selectmen," Joyce said. "You have incredibly talented individuals, particularly in your planning department."

Joyce also credited Easton's delegation, including State Senator Tom Kennedy and Representatives Geraldine Creedon, Christine Canavan and Angelo D'Emilia for helping Easton receive the grant.

Board of Selectman Chair Colleen Corona was thankful for Joyce's persistence as well.

"I really appreciate your assistance on this," she said. "You’ve done a lot of great things for the town and I appreciate your help."