Governor Patrick Approves Nonantum Road for Federal Economic Recovery Funds - 03/10/2009
For Immediate Release - March 10, 2009
Contact: Daniel Cruz
617-722-2220
Daniel.Cruz@state.ma.us
Governor Patrick Approves Nonantum Road for
Federal Economic Recovery Funds
Project funding included in state priority list
BOSTON— Representatives Peter Koutoujian, Kay Khan, Ruth Balser along with Senators Steven Tolman and Cynthia Stone Creem today announced that Governor Patrick has included $6,059,400 for Nonantum Road as part of the $153.2 million in “shovel-ready” projects to move forward this spring through federal economic recovery funding. These federal recovery funds will allow the state to make long-delayed improvements to roads and bridges in communities across the Commonwealth.
Important projects like Nonantum Road had been placed in jeopardy due to the state’s current fiscal crisis. Now that funding is in place, upgrades to Nonantum Road can proceed addressing the current safety hazards that have led to four tragic accidents in three years. The local delegation has been advocating for much-needed safety improvements to Nonantum Road for years and is pleased that federal funds have come to the state at a critical moment.
“I applaud the Patrick Administration and DCR for their leadership on this important transportation problem,” said Representative Peter Koutoujian (D-Waltham). “Now that funding has been identified, we can move forward on much needed improvements to begin to resolve this serious public safety issue.”
“I was pleased to see that funding was allocated in the federal economic recovery fund for this shovel-ready project, Nonantum Road. It is critical that we begin work on this construction as soon as possible to ensure the safety of all who travel on this road,” said Representative Kay Khan (D-Newton).
“The public deserves safe roads, and I am delighted that the Nonantum Road improvements can move forward,” said Representative Ruth Balser (D-Newton).
“Safety improvements to Nonantum Road are long overdue,” said Senator Steven A. Tolman (D-Watertown). “I am happy to see that the Governor realizes the importance of these improvements and has included it on his list of “shovel ready” projects. We are now one step closer to meeting our shared goal of improving this dangerous roadway.”
“I appreciate the efforts of Gov. Patrick to secure funding for this crucial next stage in the Nonantum Road project, and I look forward to seeing the process finally completed,” said Senator Cynthia Stone Creem (D-Newton). “This is an example of federal recovery money being used not only to put Massachusetts residents to work, but also to provide much-needed infrastructure improvements.”
The Department of Conservation and Recreation has jurisdiction of Nonantum Road and is holding a public meeting on Thursday, March 12, 2009, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Community Rowing Boathouse, 20 Nonantum Road, Brighton to discuss planned improvements. Area residents and commuters are encouraged to attend.
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