From the Office of Senator Kerry

Friday, October 6, 2000

Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry and Congressman Marty Meehan announced today that Congress has approved $1.7 million in new funding for Lowell. $1.2 million will be used to construct a new bus service hub for the City of Lowell. $500,000 will be used to develop a 1/4 mile long greenway to provide pedestrian access to interpretative sites along the Western Canal-Acre Reach section of Lowell's 5.6 mile historic power canal system in the Lowell National Historic Park. The funds are contained in the Transportation Appropriations Act for the fiscal year beginning October 1st.

"This project is essential to both the economy and the environment of the region," said Senator Kennedy said of the transit hub funding. "Greater access to public transit will help commuters, businesses and tourists, and will be of special benefit to the elderly and the disabled. Increased use of mass transit will also significantly reduce auto emissions and improve air quality across the state."

"Lowell has experienced tremendous population growth over the last ten years, and it is vital that its infrastructure continue to grow and meet the new demand," said Senator Kerry. "Although often overlooked, transportation infrastructure is a central part of building truly livable communities. We know that traffic jams have made too many of Lowell's buses late and inconvenienced commuters -- so it was important that everyone work together to tackle these issues head-on. Building this new bus service hub at the LRTA's Gallagher Intermodal Transportation will have the dual benefit of reducing traffic and the resulting bus delays, and connecting bus routes with commuter rail lines to Boston. It's a win-win for the City of Lowell."

Congressman Meehan said, "This funding keeps our efforts to improve bus transportation in Lowell and expand pedestrian access to the city's historic past on the right track. Moving the LRTA's bus hub will cut back on downtown traffic and pollution, improving the quality of life for Lowell residents and visitors alike. The Western Canal Walkway project is a key part of the Lowell's master plan for the Acre neighborhood."

The funds will be used to relocate Lowell's bus service hub from it current location in downtown to the Gallagher Intermodal Transportation Center. The construction of the new bus service hub, which will be located outside of the city's center, will increase service for many key regional bus routes. This improvement in access to commuter rail will enable a greater number of residents to get to jobs and health care providers throughout the region. In addition, the new Gallagher Hub will seamlessly interconnect bus routes with the frequent commuter rail service to and from Boston.

The greenway will be created along one of Lowell's historic canals, which runs along one edge of the city's earliest immigrant neighborhoods, the Acre. During the late 19th century, the area contained numerous industrial buildings and triple-decker housing, blocking the canal from view. The structures were demolished in the early 20th century, and the land has not been utilized since then. When the area is redeveloped as a pedestrian greenway, it will link two existing canal-edge parks and provide an inviting setting for the adjacent residential community. The overall bill now will be sent on to President Clinton for his signature.

"I'm pleased that we were able to secure these funds for the Park so that the City of Lowell can continue to welcome tourists interested in its rich industrial past," Senator Kennedy added. "This project will provide much-needed open space and recreational opportunities for area families and visitors alike."

"Under the leadership of Mayor Donahue, Lowell is embracing an approach to growththat both modernizes and preserves the best of this wonderful mill city," said Senator Kerry. "As Lowell expands and grows, it is important that we maintain open space for recreation and a sense of community -- and I am pleased that I was able to help provide federal funding to create this scenic walk-way along the Western Canal-Acre Reach section of Lowell. It will make an important contribution to Lowell's economy, helping to create economic connections between Lowell's historic canals and immigrant neighborhoods and the rest of the city."