State delegation secures funding for local projects
Medford Transcript
Wed Aug 13, 2008
Medford - The Legislature will advance the conservation and acquisition of recreational land and make improvements to state park facilities and properties operated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and other state environmental agencies including the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
The bill authorizes $1.7 billion in bonds to fund efforts for the next five years.
"I am thrilled that we have been able to prioritize so many local projects in the Environmental Bond Bill. Our parks, rinks and bridges -- both in my district and across the state -- are in need of repair and expansion and with the bond bill, the Legislature has made this a priority," said Sen. Patricia D. Jehlen, D-Somerville.
The bond bill includes $1.4 billion for land protection and acquisition, and another $325 million to enhance public parks and rebuild infrastructure, including the repair and construction of DCR bridges and state-run campgrounds, hiking trails, swimming pools, beaches and skating rinks.
"I have long made parks and open space a priority," said Rep. Carl Sciortino, D-Medford. "I am proud of the bill that we passed and even more proud of the funding we were able to include for our community."
"These environmental projects represent a wide range of plans to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Medford and surrounding communities," said Rep. Sean Garballey, D-Arlington. "They are investments in our future and are both imaginative and forward looking."
"I am pleased that these important projects were approved," said Rep. Paul J. Donato, D-Medford. "Conservation, energy and environmental protection were priorities of the legislature this past session and these projects reflect this priority."
Local projects for Medford that will be funded through the Environmental Bond Bill include:
- $200,000 for construction of a wind turbine at McGlynn elementary and middle schools
- $250,000 for park space bordering Clippership Drive and the Mystic River
- $300,000 for the Mystic River Master Plan
The bill also provides for the design and construction of urban parks in neighborhoods where there is a lack of recreational space, and it includes authorization for new programs to address climate change, wildlife protection and deteriorating water supply infrastructure.