Rep. Sena secures $110,000 in bonding authorization for local projects through Economic Development Bill
BOSTON – Representative Dan Sena (37th Middlesex) announced that the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed their version of the Economic Development Bill on June 27th, which included three amendments he filed relative to bonding for local projects.
The $3.5 billion bill included bond authorizations of $30,000 to install a fence at the Ayer Depot Square Park, $45,000 to replace the culvert at Guggins Brook beneath Liberty Square Road, and $35,000 for the Harvard Police and Fire Departments to purchase a drone for public safety.
“I am proud to author three of the amendments included in the final version of this bill, which authorizes bonding for specific projects in Harvard, Boxborough, and Ayer. While more work still needs to be done before these towns receive this money, the inclusion of these amendments gets the ball rolling on three projects in our own community," said Representative Dan Sena (Middlesex 37th District).
“The Town of Ayer appreciates this bond authorization in the amount of $30,000 to install a fence at Depot Square Park which will further enhance the public safety and ongoing infrastructure investment of this important transportation and community amenity for Ayer, MBTA commuters and the Commonwealth,” said Robert A. Pontbriand, Ayer Town Manager,” said Robert Pointbriand, Ayer Town Manager.
“The Guggins Brook has topped Liberty Square Road three times in the past year, due to recurring heavy rainfalls overloading the capacity of the undersized and failing culvert under the roadway. Boxborough is very appreciative of Rep. Sena and the House of Representatives efforts to pass this significant earmark, which combined with remaining ARPA funding, will enable culvert replacement and safe passage of school buses, public safety vehicles and residents on this heavily traveled critical roadway,” said Boxborough Town Administrator Micheal Johns.
“In recent years, drones have emerged as indispensable tools in the field of public safety, offering a versatile platform for a variety of life-saving applications. The integration of drone technology into our public safety efforts promises not only to augment the capabilities of our emergency services but also to pioneer a new era of efficiency and effectiveness in responding to crises,” said Harvard Police Chief James Babu.
Known as the Mass Leads Act, the bill was adapted from legislation filed by Gov. Maura Healey. The version passed by the House includes investments and policy initiatives aim to strengthen support for workers and businesses. Funded at $3.40 billion in bond authorizations, with an additional $700 million worth of tax credits, the legislation works to ensure that the Commonwealth is prepared to lead the innovation industries of the future.
“This bill represents a significant investment in the future of the Commonwealth,” said Representative Dan Sena (Middlesex 37th ). “The capital authorizations included in this bill pave the way for strategic investments in our local communities and in major industries that will help our economy grow over time.”
This bill passed the House of Representatives155-2, and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
For more on the Economic Development Bill, click here.
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