Several Third District communities to receive over $5 million in federal funding

Press Release

Congresswoman Niki Tsongas announced that Third District communities Fitchburg, Haverhill, Lawrence and Lowell will receive federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to support housing rehabilitation, public service projects and local infrastructure.

"Community Development Block Grants are some of the most valuable tools cities have to promote economic development, modernize infrastructure, and respond flexibly to local challenges," said Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. "Since coming to Congress, I have strongly supported funding the CDBG program at the level necessary to meet community needs, joining a coalition of my colleagues in urging Congressional support for the program. CDBG is one of the federal government's most cost effective programs, enabling communities in my district, in Massachusetts and across America to leverage their resources to quickly respond to emerging needs. They're an excellent investment in our communities and provide benefits well into the future."

An additional $29,757,361 will be distributed by the Commonwealth's Department of Housing and Community Development to other eligible communities.

Fitchburg Mayor Stephen L. DiNatale said: "The CDBG funding received by the City of Fitchburg enables us to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for Fitchburg residents. For example, this year $240,391.00 of CDBG funding will contribute to the demolition of thirteen (13) abandoned and blighted buildings, making way for further development."

Mayor DiNatale also cited the many youth-focused programs supported by CDBG, including YMCA Spartacus and the Boys & Girls Club afterschool transportation program, stating that, "youth oriented activities are vitally important and we are fortunate to be able to provide some assistance to these programs through CDBG funding." DiNatale stressed the importance of HUD keeping CDBG funding to entitlement cities like Fitchburg intact: "The loss of CDBG funding would be a devastating loss to the City of Fitchburg."

Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini said: "CDBG has long been an important source of funding for the City of Haverhill. These HUD funds allow us to continue to upgrade our urban housing stock, make critical investments in low-income neighborhoods, and stimulate economic activity in historically disinvested neighborhoods. We are using CDBG to increase homeownership in Mount Washington and the Lower Acre, get parents quality day care so they can work full-time, and enforce health and safety codes for better, cleaner streets in our urban core. It would be difficult for the City to do these things otherwise."

Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera said: "Lawrence is so thankful for the hard work of Congresswomen Tsongas securing this CDBG award. Just a year ago we didn't even know the future of this program. Thanks to the hard work of our congresswoman, all of the programs that go to fund community based solutions and support for English Language for new immigrants and youth employment will happen this year."

Lowell City Manager Kevin Murphy said: "With the support of CDBG funds Lowell is poised to provide critical services and infrastructure to our residents. We are thankful for Congresswoman Tsongas' support for this program that is critical to supporting Lowell's needs."

Congresswoman Tsongas has long supported federal funding for local economic development projects and organizations, including Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and she has advocated for and helped secure numerous such grants across the Third District.

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