Thanks to an economic development bill that was recently finalized by the House and Senate, House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) and State Senator Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn) have been able to acquire $210,000 dollars for the Town of Lynnfield, and $28,000 for the Town of Saugus.
According to Jones and Crighton, the money will be put towards three initiatives in Lynnfield. $100,000 will go towards “the design costs and related expenses associated with the construction of a water treatment plant to assist the town with the remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the town’s drinking water”, $60,000 will be given to the Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce, and $50,000 will go to the reconstruction of the high school’s tennis courts.
In a statement, Senator Crighton noted the importance of gaining funding for the town’s projects, adding that it is coming at an opportune time with the current state of the economy.
“This major funding will help tackle some of the most pressing challenges that our residents are facing including economic uncertainty, rising energy costs, workforce shortages, and transportation reliability,” said Senator Crighton. “It will also make key investments in important local priorities like these projects right here in Lynnfield.”
For Saugus, the $28,000 received will go towards the town’s fire and police departments. $20,000 is being allocated to fire equipment, and the remaining $8,000 will be used for police bicycles.
Rep. Jessica Giannino, in a statement, said she was pleased with being able to secure funding for the town’s first responders.
“The passage of this legislation provides much needed relief for the citizens of the 16th Suffolk District,” she said. “I am so grateful for what this important legislation will provide for Saugus.”
The bill comes after there were multiple roadblocks between both the House and Senate agreeing to previous versions of the bill. After months of negotiations between a six-member House and Senate conference committee, the Bill was finally enacted by both legislatures on November 3rd.
House Bill 5374, An Act relating to economic growth and relief for the Commonwealth, now awaits Governor Charlie Baker’s review and signature.
