BOSTON – Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy, with Congressman Edward Markey, today announced that the omnibus appropriations bill approved by Congress contains $5.04 million in federal assistance for the suburban Boston area. Statewide, Massachusetts initiatives received a total of more than $236 million.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 will fund 15 cabinet agencies and other federal agencies for Fiscal Year 2008.  It includes the following appropriations bills: Agriculture, Commerce-Justice-State, Energy-Water, Foreign Operations, Interior, Labor-Health and Human Services-Education, Legislative Branch, Transportation-Treasury, and Veterans Administration-Housing and Urban Development.  The bill now goes to the President’s desk for his signature.

“This is a victory for crucial economic development projects throughout the region." From transportation to health care to social services to education, this money will help make a difference in the quality of life of those who live and work in the region,” said Senator Kerry. “By making these investments in our communities, we are investing in our state’s economic future, and that is why Senator Kennedy and Congressman Markey and I fight each year to secure federal funding for these initiatives that make a real local impact.”

"In Massachusetts, we're enormously proud of our world-class hospitals, research centers and universities. They lead the nation and the world in improving the lives of our citizens," said Senator Kennedy. "These federal investments are vital to the people of suburban Boston, and our whole Commonwealth, so that Massachusetts will stay at the forefront of the global economy, and future generations can reach their full potential.”

“Our district will receive critical funding for protecting and maintaining the health, safety and general welfare of our communities. From better transportation options to updated medical facilities, these funds will help meet the growing needs of our region, creating new jobs while enhancing the health, education, safety and beauty of our towns.  Working with Senator Kennedy and Senator Kerry, I am pleased that we were able to secure this important funding.”

The City of Medford’s water taxi project is one of the programs set to receive funding.

“Our goal in Medford is to bring people back to the River. We are very excited to have the opportunity to receive the funding that allows us to bring together many different focal points of the community – recreation, restaurants, transportation,” said Mayor Michael McGlynn of Medford.

Federal assistance in the omnibus bill for suburban Boston includes:

Massachusetts Projects in the FY 2008 Agriculture, Rural Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Conference Report
$828,000 for the Tufts University Human Nutrition Program

Massachusetts Projects in the FY 2008 Labor-HHS Appropriations Conference Report
$97,000 for the Metrowest Medical Center at Framingham’s Union Hospital
$165,000 for Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers

Massachusetts Projects in the FY 2008 Transportation, HUD and Related Agencies Appropriations Conference Report
$825,000 for Water Taxi/Ferry in Medford
$500,000 for Downtown Streetsigns in Framingham
$750,000 for Edwards Street Improvement in Framingham
$750,000 for Massachusetts Avenue Design and Construction in Arlington
$700,000 for MBTA Commuter Rail Station in Melrose
$100,000 for the Methuen and Arlington Neighborhood program
$75,000 for the Watertown Economic Development Survey
$250,000 for the Tri-city Community in Acton and Malden

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