Western Mass Gets $13M in Federal Funding
BOSTON — The state's federal representatives were able to secure $13 million in federal funding for Western Massachusetts in the end-of-year omnibus spending package.
U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey, and U.S. Reps. Richard Neal and James McGovern announced on Thursday the funding for 16 community-based projects across Western Massachusetts.
"I am proud to have procured this funding for communities across the First District of Massachusetts," said Neal, who was chairman of the Ways & Means Committee when the spending package passed in December. "In partnering with community leaders, I believe we have identified several projects that will contribute greatly to the diverse economic landscape in western Massachusetts. Robust investments in local governments, colleges and universities, hospitals, and non-profits will have a profound impact on our regional economies."
The funds include the $200,000 that Neal was able to secure in Community Project Funds to support a feasibility study for the Hoosic River Basin Flood Control Project.
Also getting funding is the Berkshire Family YMCA in Pittsfield, which is receiving $1 million toward the renovation of its historic North Street building, which will increase licensed affordable child-care slots by 35 percent as well as expand resources for adults and seniors, promote energy efficiency, and ensure the building's ADA compliance.
Jacob's Pillow in Becket is getting $100,000 to engage 10 schools in its nationally recognized arts program and the Berkshire Black Economic Council Business Incubator in Pittsfield is getting $455,000 to improve community economic development services and develop a business incubator responsive to the needs of Black-owned businesses and Black entrepreneurs.
Woodlands Partnership of Northwest Massachusetts, formerly known as the Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership, is in line for $540,000 to strengthen forest conservation and stewardship efforts that supports tourism and local businesses.
Other funding includes:
- $1,110,661 for the renovation and expansion of the Jones Library in Amherst.
- $465,000 for Springfield Museum's "Biomes Around the World" to upgrade the wildlife exhibits.
- $150,000 for Red Gate Farm in Ashfield to complete the construction of a new student housing facility and dining hall.
- $2,854,800 to bring Chicopee's wastewater plant in compliance with new nitrogen removal standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the state.
- $975,000 for the town of Montague and Turners Falls Avenue to restore an ADA compliant, pedestrian-oriented streetscape to the state-designated Cultural District, a major hub for retail, dining, and entertainment.
- $450,000 for the Franklin Regional Council of Governments in Franklin County to replace the region's aging analog public safety radio system and another $165,000 to research methods on retaining and recruiting police offers.
- $1,280,000 for Agawam to replace the White Brook culvert under North Street.
- $2,000,000 for Holyoke's River Terrace sewer and stormwater project.
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$640,000 for the Gándara Center in Springfield to increase access to behavioral health services for individuals experiencing substance use disorders and serious mental illness.
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$1 million for Girls Inc. of the Valley in Holyoke to purchase and renovate a new permanent headquarters to ensure more than 1,000 girls from marginalized communities in Holyoke, Springfield, and Chicopee have access to educational resources.
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