Somerville Awaits $5 Million in Project Funding
Congressman Capuano, Senators Kennedy and Kerry Secure $5 Million for Somerville Projects, Including Funding to Repair the Lowell Street Bridge

November 23, 2004

Congressman Mike Capuano, Senator Edward Kennedy and Senator John Kerry have secured $5 million for some important Somerville projects. Additionally, $1 million was earmarked for public transportation improvements to the Lechmere MBTA Station, just over the Somerville border in Cambridge. The funds were included in the FY 2005 Omnibus Appropriations Bill that is awaiting the signature of the President.

Projects funded include:

• $2 million to repair the Lowell Street Bridge, which has been closed to vehicular traffic for over four years due to structural concerns. The Massachusetts Highway Department has not begun meaningful repair and will not commence work until at least this spring, citing concern over funding sources. This money will help the City and state meet the challenge of funding this critical repair work, getting the bridge open again;
• $2 million to conduct a study of the interchange at Route 28 and Mystic Avenue for the purpose of identifying possible design improvements;
• $1 million for the City of Somerville to explore how to best transform its underutilized industrial spaces and brownfields;

Additionally, $1 million was earmarked for Lechmere Station Relocation and Enhancements in Cambridge, just over the Somerville border. The funding will be used for public transportation improvements at the Lechmere MBTA Station.

"These funds will help create economic development opportunities for the City of Somerville and help advance improvements to our transportation infrastructure, including the long-overdue repair of the Lowell Street Bridge. I thank Senators Kennedy and Kerry for their assistance in securing this funding," stated Congressman Mike Capuano, whose district includes Somerville.

"These projects will help greatly with Somerville's efforts to create new jobs and to strengthen the community," Senator Kennedy said. "I look forward to continuing this work with Senator Kerry, Congressman Capuano, and Mayor Curtatone in the years ahead," stated Senator Kennedy.

"This money will make smart investments in the Somerville community – like making desperately-needed repairs to the Lowell Street Bridge and transforming industrial spaces," Senator Kerry said. "I am proud to have worked with Congressman Capuano and Senator Kennedy to help secure funding for these important projects," stated Senator Kerry.

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Contact: Alison M. Mills (Capuano) (617) 621-6208
Contact: David Smith (Kennedy) (202) 224-2633
Contact: April Boyd (Kerry) (202) 224-4159