REPRESENTATIVE ANNOUNCES FUNDS FOR TRANSPORTATION – HAVERHILL

Boston, MA – State Representative Barbara A. L’Italien (D-Andover) announced today that the Transportation Bond Bill will include $2,500,000 in funding for projects in the City of Haverhill.

The transportation bond bill provides capital funding for the design, construction, and repair of roadway projects in the Commonwealth that do not receive federal funding. The legislation, engrossed by the House today, provides $500,000 for the purchase of railroad land, $500,000 for the design and construction of signage and intersection improvements at Route 97 and Lake Street and $1,500,000 for the design and construction of signage and intersection improvements at Lower Main Street and Farrwood Drive.

“The approval of these projects will mean a great deal to the people of Haverhill,” said Representative L’Italien. “Each of these undertakings will improve transportation and address the concerns voiced by residents.”

In addition to these crucial initiatives, the House version of the transportation bond bill also includes funding for regional transit authorities, Chapter 90 highway projects, and assistance for the protection of rail freight properties across the state. The bond bill now moves to the Senate and upon approval will go to the Governor’s desk for signature.

REPRESENTATIVE ANNOUNCES FUNDS FOR TRANSPORTATION – METHUEN

Boston, MA – State Representative Barbara A. L’Italien (D-Andover) announced today that the Transportation Bond Bill will include $1,250,000 in funding for projects in the City of Methuen.

The transportation bond bill provides capital funding for the design, construction, and repair of roadway projects in the Commonwealth that do not receive federal funding. The legislation, engrossed by the House today, provides $250,000 for culvert cleaning in the Frye Road area and $1,000,000 to implement short-term solutions for the Route 110 rotary.

“The approval of these projects will mean a great deal to the people of Methuen,” said Representative L’Italien. “Each of these undertakings will improve transportation and address the concerns voiced by residents.”

In addition to these crucial initiatives, the House version of the transportation bond bill also includes funding for regional transit authorities, Chapter 90 highway projects, and assistance for the protection of rail freight properties across the state. The bond bill now moves to the Senate and upon approval will go to the Governor’s desk for signature.

REPRESENTATIVE ANNOUNCES FUNDS FOR TRANSPORTATION – NORTH ANDOVER

Boston, MA – State Representative Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover) announced today that the Transportation Bond Bill will include almost $11 million in funding for the Town of North Andover.

The transportation bond bill provides capital funding for the design, construction, and repair of roadway projects in the Commonwealth that do not receive federal funding. The legislation, engrossed by the House today, provides $6.2 million for the widening of Route 114, and another $400,000 for the installation of a traffic signal at Hillside Road on Route 114. An additional $2.9 million will be expended for streetscape improvements in Machine Shop Village. Finally, this long-term spending plan contains $1,200,000 in funding for upgrades, including roadway resurfacing, to Route 125 in North Andover.

“The approval of these projects will mean a great deal to the people of North Andover. Each of these undertakings will improve transportation and address the concerns voiced by residents,” said Representative L’ Italien.

In addition to these crucial initiatives, the House version of the transportation bond bill also includes funding for regional transit authorities, Chapter 90 highway projects, and assistance for the protection of rail freight properties across the state. The bond bill now moves to the Senate and is subject to the authorization of the Governor before this money becomes available.

REPRESENTATIVE ANNOUNCES FUNDS FOR TRANSPORTATION – BOXFORD

Boston, MA – State Representative Barbara A. L’Italien (D-Andover) announced today that the Transportation Bond Bill will include $444,000 in funding for projects in the Town of Boxford.

The transportation bond bill provides capital funding for the design, construction, and repair of roadway projects in the Commonwealth that do not receive federal funding. The legislation, engrossed by the House today, provides $144,000 for the repair of the Parker River culvert on Route 133 and $300,000 to resurface Route 97.

“The approval of these projects will mean a great deal to the people of Boxford,” said Representative L’Italien. “Each of these undertakings will improve transportation and address the concerns voiced by residents.”

In addition to these crucial initiatives, the House version of the transportation bond bill also includes funding for regional transit authorities, Chapter 90 highway projects, and assistance for the protection of rail freight properties across the state. The bond bill now moves to the Senate and upon approval will go to the Governor’s desk for signature.

REPRESENTATIVE ANNOUNCES FUNDS FOR TRANSPORTATION – ANDOVER

Boston, MA – State Representative Barbara A. L’Italien (D-Andover) announced today that the Transportation Bond Bill will include $803,000 in funding for projects in the Town of Andover.

The transportation bond bill provides capital funding for the design, construction, and repair of roadway projects in the Commonwealth that do not receive federal funding. The legislation, engrossed by the House today, provides $600,000 for the repair and rehabilitation of town owned bridges in the Town of Andover and $203,000 for improvements to the sidewalks on North Main Street.

“The approval of these projects will mean a great deal to the people of Andover,” said Representative L’Italien. “Each of these undertakings will improve transportation and address the concerns voiced by residents.”

In addition to these crucial initiatives, the House version of the transportation bond bill also includes funding for regional transit authorities, Chapter 90 highway projects, and assistance for the protection of rail freight properties across the state. The bond bill now moves to the Senate and upon approval will go to the Governor’s desk for signature.

Legislature Approves I-93 Interchange Funds

Published: 06/16/2006

By Edward Mason
Staff writer for Eagle Tribune

Legislature approves I-93 interchange funds

BOSTON – A proposed Interstate 93 interchange in Andover got a boost yesterday, as Beacon Hill lawmakers approved state funding for planning and construction of the first phase of the project.

The interchange is seen as an important link to stimulating job creation in the Merrimack Valley by increasing accessibility to employers and underdeveloped land in Andover, Tewksbury and Wilmington.

The funding is part of a $700 million spending plan in two bills passed by the House and Senate yesterday designed to stimulate the state economy and pay for capital projects. The bills, which now go to the governor, include spending for a host of North of Boston projects besides the interchange.

Under the bill, Massachusetts will issue a $200 million bond to pay for a variety of capital projects, which will include the state’s share of the early planning and construction in the first phase of the $53 million interchange.

Rep. David M. Torrisi, D-North Andover, said the state portion of that first phase will be between $15 million and $20 million and cover engineering studies and the start of construction.

Sen. Bruce E. Tarr, R-Gloucester, said the interchange is more than a highway project. “This is one of the top five economic development projects in the state,” Tarr said.

The Merrimack Valley Economic Development Council estimates that the interchange will improve access to Andover, Tewksbury and Wilmington and allow new and current employers to create between 4,500 to 11,500 new jobs, as well as $4.2 million to $6.6 million in additional property tax revenue.

The interchange is linked to projects that include the expansion of Wyeth Biopharma and a 750,000-square-foot mall proposed for Tewksbury by Mills Corp., a Virginia developer.

The economic stimulus calls for the state to invest in life sciences, work force training, higher education and public construction projects beside the I-93 interchange. Among the job creation expenditures is $70 million for a nano bio-manufacturing center at UMass Lowell.

The plan comes as the state reported yesterday that it lost 900 jobs in May, causing the unemployment rate to creep over 5 percent.

Both the economic stimulus and capital spending bills had been bottled up in conference committees since late last year as lawmakers concentrated on completing a health care reform law and other issues.

“Everyone recognizes in the Legislature that we need to do everything we can to jumpstart our economy, and (these bills) make that happen,” Rep. Barbara A. L’Italien, D-Andover, said.

The economic stimulus plan included lots of additional spending for North of Boston communities. Those included:

* The Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit cap was raised to $50 million annually. That means there’s additional state incentives for developers to rehabilitate Merrimack Valley mills and convert them to tax-generating facilities.

* The Legislature approved additional funds and tax credits for redeveloping brownfields, contaminated commercial sites that can be converted into functioning commercial properties.

* Lawrence received $1 million for the Lawrence Riverwalk project and $1 million for the Our House Family Learning Center to renovate the St. Laurence O’Toole school building.

* Peabody would get $2 million for flood prevention in the city’s downtown. It also received a one-time $500,000 appropriation for a flood control matching grant. There also was $250,000 for planning the new Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School District facility.

* Haverhill spending included $1 million for renovating the city’s stadium.

* Gloucester earmarks included $150,000 to devise an economic development plan and $200,000 for the Maritime Heritage Center.

* North Andover’s Stevens Library got $150,000 for improvements.

* $50,000 was approved for the renovation of the Amesbury Carriage Museum and $50,000 for the Salisbury Historical Society to renovate the town museum.