WASHINGTON, DC – Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy today announced that the Senate approved $12.5 million in federal funding for 14 of Massachusetts’ economic development, transportation and housing projects. The funding is part of the Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill.

"This funding will help cities, towns and non-profit groups across our state redevelop low-income areas, replace aging infrastructure, and rebuild transportation facilities,” said Senator Kerry. “President Bush’s promise to veto this badly needed investment is a dangerous mistake. I urge the President not to stand in the way of funding that will greatly enhance the quality of life for thousands of Massachusetts families.”

“Communities across Massachusetts are working hard to make needed investments to improve our quality of life, transportation system, and to promote economic development.  I’m grateful our colleagues have approved funding to help make some badly needed projects a reality,” Senator Kennedy said.
 
The following projects will receive funding:
 
$4 million for the Barnstable Municipal Airport Air Traffic Control Tower Replacement Project;

$4 million for the Nantucket Memorial Airport Air Traffic Control Tower Replacement Project;
 
$1 million for the MBTA’s Commonwealth Avenue Green Line Station Construction Project;
 
$1 million for the Steamship Authority’s Oak Bluffs Ferry Terminal Reconstruction;

$250,000 for Taunton’s Senior Housing Improvement Project;
 
$250,000 for City Year Inc.’s New Headquarters Project in Boston;
 
$250,000 for Mercy Housing Inc’s Senior Housing Facility in Holyoke;
 
$250,000 for Renovations and Repairs at the Westfield Boys and Girls Club;

$250,000 for Structural Repairs at the Veterans Benefit Clearinghouse of Boston;
 
$250,000 for Renovations at the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts;
 
$250,000 for the City of Northampton’s Program to Transform the Former State Hospital Grounds into an Affordable Housing Development;
 
$250,000 for Pittsfield’s Colonial Theater Redevelopment project;
 
$250,000 for the Redevelopment of the Mohawk Theater in North Adams; and
 
$250,000 for the Construction of a New Distribution Center for the Greater Boston Food Bank.

 
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