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| Press Release: December 20, 2007 | ||
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| OLVER ANNOUNCES $5 MILLION FOR BERKSHIRE COUNTY AND CUMMINGTON IN FY 2008 FEDERAL SPENDING PACKAGE Pittsfield Streetscape funding sees 47% increase from earlier FY ‘08 Transportation appropriations bill figure |
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman John W. Olver (D-1st District) announced today that the fiscal year 2008 omnibus appropriations bill approved by Congress last night includes a little over $5 million in federal assistance for various projects in Berkshire County and one in Cummington in western Hampshire County. Congressman Olver is a member of the Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the Transportation-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee and worked to include the funding in the omnibus spending legislation. The omnibus represents 11 annual appropriations bills pulled together into one package. The bill will fund most of the federal government’s domestic activities in 2008. Olver declared, "From the arts and environment to transportation, this federal funding will help our excelling organizations in Berkshire County continue to do their important work." The projects and their included dollar amounts are: $269,500 for Barrington Stage Company (BSC) in Pittsfield This funding will go towards completing the renovation of the Berkshire Music Hall to be used as the Barrington Stage Company’s new mainstage home. In 2005, BSC purchased a vintage 500-seat Vaudeville theatre, the Berkshire Music Hall at 30 Union Street in Pittsfield, and began the process of relocating to the downtown. The company completed its move and opened the partially renovated theatre in August of 2006. The first full season began in June 2007 with the sold-out production of West Side Story, which attracted 16,000 patrons to downtown Pittsfield. The move was a part of a $6.13 million project. "Barrington Stage Company’s presence in Pittsfield is a real asset to the City and fits well into the overall economic revitalization that is happening here," Olver said. "The Theatre is doing exciting, innovative work, and this funding will help BSC continue to develop productions that will bring people to Pittsfield for years to come." Contact for additional information: Julianne Boyd, BSC, at 413-499-5446, x102 $588,000 for Berkshire Rides Berkshire Rides is a non-profit organization that works to improve public transportation access for residents in the towns of Florida, Clarksburg, Savoy, Cheshire, North Adams, Adams and Williamstown. This funding will be used to support and expand community transportation services in the Northern Berkshires operated by Berkshire Rides, formerly known as the Transportation Association of Northern Berkshire (TANB). Specifically, these funds will assist the organization in expanding its employment transportation program, as well as to help expand its services to young people. "There has always been a tremendous need for public transportation services in the northern Berkshire region," Olver said. "Berkshire Rides has worked hard to help close the gap in public transportation services. However, there are still unmet transportation needs in northern Berkshire County. This funding will build on the progress we have made in public transportation services in the region." Contact for additional information: Jana Brule, Director of Berkshire Rides, at 413-664-0300 $188,000 for Brigham Center in Pittsfield This funding will support the Gladys Allen Brigham Center’s Youth Empowerment Services Plus (YES-P) program which will provide comprehensive services for children and adolescents ages 5-18. The project includes enriched after school care for children, as well as adolescent prevention programming and case management services. The primary goal of this initiative is to reduce delinquency and youth violence. "This project will have a real impact on our community," Congressman Olver said. "The Brigham Center often provides a safety net for area youth who lack other positive outlets or support. It is critically important that these children are not forgotten." Contact for additional information: Kelly Baity, Asst. Executive Director of Brigham Center, 413-442-5174 $492,000 for Flood Control Chute Repairs in North Adams This funding will replace a segment of concrete wall that failed in the North Branch of the Hoosic River in North Adams. This repair will help ensure that the flood control chute will continue to effectively protect portions of North Adams from flooding by the Hoosic River. "This repair is key to protecting the property and safety of businesses and residents who live along the Hoosic River," Olver said. "The improved flood control chute will help shield North Adams the next time strong rains cause floods." $246,000 for MCLA’s Berkshire Environmental Resource Center (BERC) This funding will be used to enhance BERC’s programming and outreach, including the continuation of a faculty position to support the MCLA Environmental Studies Program. In addition, MCLA will develop environmental workshops for teachers and students, a speakers series for the campus and community, and will purchase a hybrid model van to transport students and faculty to study sites. "The Berkshire Environmental Resources Center at MCLA is a wonderful resource for MCLA students and a wonderful asset to our community," said Olver. "This funding will help the nationally-known Center build upon the work they are doing to promote environmental awareness and preservation among MCLA students and throughout the community." Contact for additional information: Karen Gardner, MCLA, 413-662-5203 $1.47 million for the Pittsfield Streetscape initiative This funding will enhance the pedestrian environment in downtown Pittsfield. The planned improvements include: decorative paving, period lighting, trees with grates or cobble surrounding them, flower planters and planting areas, public art and historical statues, plaques, and other installations and improvements. The amount represents almost a half million increase from an the amount ($1 million) included in an earlier version of the Transportation-HUD appropriations bill passed by the House in July. Olver secured the extra funds during negotiations of the final compromise package. "The project will further revitalize downtown Pittsfield. It will boost the arts and culture elements of downtown, encourage new private investment in downtown, and make the environment friendlier for residents and tourists alike," Congressman Olver said. "Berkshire County as a whole will benefit from downtown Pittsfield’s streetscape. Pittsfield is the economic center of the county and the city’s economy affects the regional economy." Contact for additional information: Mayor Ruberto, 413-499-9321 $882,000 for Soldier On (formerly United Veterans of America) in Pittsfield This funding will create permanent housing with supportive services for homeless veterans in Pittsfield. The project is designed for single, formerly homeless veterans who have completed the transitional housing program operated by Soldier On (formerly called the United Veterans of America) in Pittsfield and Leeds. "Far too often some of our veterans who need help the most are simply forgotten after they return to civilian life," said Olver. "Soldier On recognizes that homelessness among veterans is a serious problem. We must do all we can to help those who have sacrificed for us." Contact for additional information: John Downing, President of Soldier On, 413-584-4040 x2288 $147,660 for William Cullen Bryant Homestead in Cummington This funding will support conservation and restoration of the William Cullen Bryant Homestead in Cummington. The project calls for conservation and restoration of Bryant’s study, bedroom, dining room, as well as window stabilization and exterior painting in period colors. Additionally, the project includes sill repair to the c. 1840 barn and restoration of the dairy. "The William Cullen Bryant Homestead is a National Historic Landmark with more than 7,000 visitors each year," Olver said. "It was the famous 19th century American poet’s home for many years of his life and the place where he created much of his poetry. This preservation work will allow future generations to experience the rich history, architecture, and cultural landscape of the Homestead." $750,000 for the Dalton Fire District’s Rehabilitation of the Windsor Dam This funding will support the Dalton Fire District comprehensive rehabilitation of the Windsor Dam which serves as the town of Dalton’s reserve water supply and as an emergency water supply for the fire department. Rehabilitation of Windsor Dam is also necessary to eliminate a public safety and property damage issue that currently exists as a result of damage sustained during the Columbus Day flood and other recent major rainfalls. "The Town of Dalton can now fix the crumbling Windsor Dam. Also, the reservoir then will be able to serve as an emergency water supply for Central Berkshire County," said Olver. $502,313 for health care training at Northern Tier community colleges, including BCC The funding will be used to expand the simulated instructional mannequin system (SIMS) within the community college system along the Northern Tier, allowing for all areas of health care to utilize SIMS as a training tool. Participating colleges will be Berkshire Community College, Greenfield Community College and Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner. "These ‘virtual hospitals’ are excellent training opportunities for health care professionals. They should prove to be a real draw for these schools," Congressman Olver said. Dr. Paul Raverta, President of BCC, said, "The upgrade in technology and instruction will be a giant step forward in providing state-of-the-art technology for BCC nursing students equal to that found at any college in the country." |
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