Legislators push for long-term spending on local projects

Lynn delegation members state Sen. Thomas McGee and Massachusetts House membersRobert F. Fennell, Steven M. Walsh, Mark Falzone and Lori Ehrlich are pushing for $10 million in state bond spending on local projects over the next five years.
The projects include $1,000,000 for the Lynn Heritage State Park Visitors Center;$100,000 for a study on the flooding and drainage issues at Reedy Meadow in Lynnfield and $3,000,000 for the Saugus River watershed, including marsh land in Lynn.
?The time is ripe to put these important projects out to bond,” said Ehrlich. “With our bond rating high and interest rates low I applaud my colleagues in the Legislature – especially the Lynn delegation for recognizing this opportunity.”
The $10 million represents a fraction of the $1.7 billion in long term spending sought by the Legislature. The local projects and others across the state will be prioritized for funding using money generated from state bond sales.
Gov. Deval Patrick has a say in how bond financing is spent and not all projects will be financed.
?We will continue to work with the administration to keep these projects moving forward. These bond bills are the first step to securing funds for these projects,” McGee said.
Part of the $1.7 billion in proposed bond spending is dedicated to environmental projects, including$250,000 for the development of an open space protection plan for the Saugus River and its tributaries including Strawberry Brook in Lynn.
?We are fortunate to live in a city that takes pride in preserving our woods, beaches and other areas of public recreation,” said Walsh.
Other proposed bond spending projects include$4,917,000 for waterfront development; $2,253,395 for the reconstruction of the Ward bathhouse; $1,000,000 for improvements to the Grand Army of the Republic building and $500,000 to install air-conditioning in City Hall.
“The funds for local projects will be a key component in further revitalizing the city, and will help Lynn continue to be both a tourist destination and a great location for business development and economic growth,” Fennell said.