From the Office of Senator Kerry

Thursday, July 19, 2001

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators John F. Kerry and Edward M. Kennedy announced today that the Senate VA/HUD and Independent Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee has approved $400,000 in funding to the City of Lawrence for construction of the Gateway Parking Facility. This parking facility will provide 400 additional employee parking spaces surrounding two unoccupied mills and business spaces in the Gateway section of Lawrence. Additionally, the project will provide improvements to roads, sidewalks, and streetscapes in the area.

Senator Kerry said, "These parking spaces and transportation improvements will help bring more businesses into Lawrence and allow for the future development of underutilized mills in the area. More convenient parking will help stimulate economic development by enabling more people to come to work in Lawrence when they have a place to park so near Route 495."

"This project is essential to the economic revitalization of Lawrence," said Senator Kennedy. "The Gateway Parking Facility will help attract new workers and new patrons to the downtown area."

Economic development in the City of Lawrence has been limited due to the lack of available parking. Although many private investors have shown interest in developing underutilized mills and business space in the area, the City's severe shortage of parking has prevented them from going forward with their investments. The City of Lawrence, in conjunction with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, are working to develop a complete funding plan for the project - expected to cost a total of $6 Million. Creation of the new parking facility will enable Lawrence to capitalize on the regional demand for industrial space, create a link with pre-existing vacant mill space, as well as expand existing businesses.