State St. Project 'Model' for U.S.

Press Release

Local, state and federal dignitaries gathered Thursday morning to dedicate the nearly completed $17 million State Street Corridor improvement project, culminating seven years of planning, design and construction.

Officials, including U.S. Secretary of Transportation Raymond H. LaHood, U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, took part in a bus tour and walking tour of the 3.2-mile corridor that stretches from the riverfront to St. Michael Cemetery.

"State Street is now the economic engine for this community," LaHood said during the dedication ceremony conducted outside the U.S. District Court building, which opened two years ago. "It has revitalized Springfield and will continue to do that. And it also fits in to what we call livable and sustainable neighborhoods and communities."

Neal, who was instrumental in securing federal funding for the project, said it positions Springfield for future growth, and has spurred private investment that will continue in the future.

"It resonates with history and is part of our future," Neal said. "This project is just one element of that public-private partnership that will involve hundreds of millions of dollars of investment in Springfield."

Massachusetts Gov. Deval L. Patrick also took part in the ceremony, saying the project is "tangible proof that here in this commonwealth we are on the mend and on the move."

Other attendees included U.S. District Court Judge Michael A. Ponsor, master of ceremonies Raymond A. Jordan Jr., various local legislators, local elected officials and representatives of various educational, cultural and business institutions that line State Street.

LaHood said the State Street project "fits into our goals for the whole country."

The project can be a "model for the rest of the country" to enhance transportation - biking, walking, bus and car travel - and for transforming neighborhoods, LaHood said.

"When you transform neighborhoods, then you transform communities," he added. "Part of what we are trying to do is create jobs and improve the economy."

A project such as State Street provides needed new infrastructure such as roads and sidewalks, as well as putting people to work, officials said.

"It creates the kind of neighborhoods people want to live in," LaHood said.

Neal said the reception, which drew approximately 200 people, was "terrific to see."

He said State Street has played a tremendous role in American history dating back to Colonial days and has been marked by many accomplishments and milestones, ranging from early travelers, including George Washington and Ben Franklin, to the Civil Rights marches of the 1960s to serving as a corridor of various high schools and colleges.

The project included reconstruction of the roadway, new sidewalks, landscaping, traffic signals and lighting, and redesigns of sections of the road. Neal said he takes "great personal satisfaction" in the project, praising local, state and federal officials for their roles in making the project a success.

In addition to federal and state funding, there were utility improvements on State Street totaling about $7 million, including new water, sewer, gas, electric and cable.

Sarno joined in, saying that public investment of dollars encourages private investment.

During his remarks, Neal cited some of the landmarks on State Street that include the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, MassMutual, the City Library and Museums. Neal remembered traveling the then-cobblestone road as a youth. He cited upcoming major projects including a state data center at the former Technical High School on Elliot Street, off State Street, and plans by American International College to redevelop the old Mason Square Fire Station and adjacent Indian Motocycle buildings.

"This $17 million public investment in State Street today restores State Street to its full luster and has created hundreds of construction jobs along the way," Neal said.

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