From the Office of Senator Kerry

Tuesday, November 23, 2004

U.S. Representatives Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Barney Frank (D-MA), and U.S. Senators Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) and John Kerry (D-MA) today announced that significant new federal funding for the Fall River area was included, at their request, in the Fiscal Year 2005 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which passed both the House and Senate over the weekend.

Projects funded through the lawmakers’ efforts include $2.48 million for the Route 79 Relocation/Harbor Enhancement project, and 595,000 for continued work on Fall River’s Combined Sewer Overflow projects. In addition, the Members of Congress included $396,000 for a program, proposed by the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA), to increase van service to elderly, disabled and low-income residents of Westport, Somerset and Mattapoisett.

The Route 79 project is part of a comprehensive harbor development plan that has been put forward by the city. It calls for lowering a one half mile elevated portion of the highway, and combining it with the existing ground level roadway. This change would transform Route 79 from a limited access highway that blocks easy access to the waterfront into a four-lane boulevard that facilitates access.

The CSO projects are crucial for ensuring access to safe, affordable water for residents in Southeastern Massachusetts. The delegation has succeeded in securing millions of dollars over the past several years for these efforts.

“I’m very pleased that we were able to secure this funding for Southeastern Massachusetts,” Rep. McGovern said. “The federal money we are announcing today will help spur continued economic development in the Fall River area; help families and communities meet their water needs; and help the elderly and others with their transportation needs. These are important projects, and I will continue to work closely with my colleagues to make sure Southeastern Massachusetts gets its fair share.”

“I am pleased that, working together, we were able to secure this funding,” Frank said. “These projects will help improve the infrastructure of the area, and enhance the services available to residents.”

"Mayor Lambert has an ambitious economic development agenda for Fall River," Senator Kennedy said. "I'm pleased that with these new federal funds we'll be to make progress on critical investments for SouthCoast residents.” “These projects will benefit families throughout Southeastern Massachusetts by redeveloping the harbor area, ensuring clean drinking water and providing transportation assistance to seniors and others,” Kerry said. “I am proud to have worked with Congressmen McGovern and Frank and Senator Kennedy to help secure funding for these important projects.”

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