LYNN — A number of projects could receive an influx of funding thanks to the economic development bill passed by the House of Representatives, which will spread $4 million across the city.
The $4.2 billion Legislation addresses disparities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic through investments in health and human services, the environment and climate mitigation, economic development, housing, and food insecurity.
Under the bill, which was passed last week, the Lynn Housing Authority & Community Development would receive $1 million to make improvements to Wall Plaza, a 176-unit low-income elderly public housing site. The legislation also provides $1 million to the Hanson Street Reconstruction project for street completion, sewer infrastructure improvements, and signaling that supports economic development on the Lynn Harbor Front.
The bill provides $500,000 for disability accessibility upgrades and structural electrical improvements to ensure full public access and preservation for the Lynn Grand Army of the Republic Hall and Museum, and an additional $400,000 for improved bathroom facilities, walkways, stone walls, play structures, and new landscaping at the Lynn Woods Reservation. The Strawberry Brook Flood Mitigation project, Lynn Senior Services, and Harbor Park Shoreline Restoration project were among some of the other local programs that received funding.
Following $500 million worth of premium pay bonuses for low-income workers that were issued in March and June of 2022 under the Legislature’s Essential Employee Premium Pay Program, the economic development bill includes one-time rebates of $250 for a taxpayer who files an individual return, and $500 for married taxpayers who file joint returns that will be issued before Sept. 30.
These rebates are expected to be issued to about 2 million Massachusetts residents who reported earning between $38,000 and $100,000 for individual filers, and between $38,000 and $150,000 for joint filers in 2021.
In a statement, state Rep. Dan Cahill, said that the legislation will help the region recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This historic investment into health and human services, housing, and food insecurity, amongst other sectors, will provide much needed relief to our economy as we continue to recover from the devastating economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Cahill said. “I would like to thank Speaker Mariano and Chairman Michlewitz for their leadership in drafting Legislation that prioritizes the most vulnerable in our community.”
Rep. Pete Capano echoed Cahill’s remarks in a statement.
“This once-in-a-generation economic development bill will provide much needed assistance to families and communities as we continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic,” Capano said. “I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Speaker Mariano, Chairman Michelwitz, and the entire leadership team for targeting assistance and investments to the communities and industries most severely impacted by COVID-19.”
Anthony Cammalleri can be reached at [email protected].
