Keating Announces EPA Grant for New Bedford

Press Release

Today, Rep. Bill Keating announced a total of $200,000 in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Area-Wide Planning (AWP) grants for the City of New Bedford. These grants, which enable recipients to revitalize communities and strengthen local economies, will be used for recreational space and attracting economic redevelopment in New Bedford. The city anticipates linking the redeveloped areas to the planned South Coast Rail system.

"Today, I am proud to announce that the City of New Bedford has received $200,000 in Brownfields Area-Wide Planning from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency," said Rep. Keating. "This funding will allow the City to attract economic development and increased investments in our neighborhoods and infrastructure, directly aiding our efforts to revitalize and enhance our region. As we continue to restore this historic community, it is critical that we invest in smart, forward-thinking initiatives that will further preserve the City and ensure its recreational and commercial vitality for years to come."

"The EPA's announcement is particularly welcome news to the City and the neighborhood surrounding the former Payne Cutlery site," said New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell. "It has been a long-standing priority of the City's to return this brownfield site to productive economic use, and the new EPA funds will significantly advance our efforts. The commitment of our federal partners like the EPA and Congressman Keating on this project is heartening and deeply appreciated."

The Area-Wide Planning Grants Program is a part of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, an inter-agency collaboration between the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Transportation, and the EPA.

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