Wakefield Legislators Secure $410,000 for Local Priorities

BOSTON—Senator Jason Lewis, Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian, and Representative Donald Wong have secured $410,000 in funding for local Wakefield priorities as part of the Economic Development and Fiscal Year 2022 Closeout Supplemental Budget agreement.

The bill, An Act relating to economic growth and relief for the Commonwealth, supports many programs and organizations which bring immediate assistance to residents of Massachusetts. Over $400 million will be invested to support affordable housing, including allocations to assist the needs of immigrants and refugees. Health and human services programs will be aided with over $1.4 billion being invested to relieve hospitals, reduce gun violence, bolster community health, and much more. $540 million will be invested to support clean energy and climate resiliency initiatives and over $500 million is going to support early education, economic development, and community initiatives, including funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to relieve families of rising energy costs.

In addition, Wakefield’s delegation was successful in securing local funding for:

• $150,000 to improve pedestrian and bicycle access to downtown Wakefield
• $100,000 for improvements to parks and downtown revitalization
• $100,000 for repairs to Americal Civic Center roof
• $60,000 for the Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce

“It’s good news that the House and Senate reached final agreement on this major economic development legislation that will help struggling families and bolster economic growth in the Commonwealth,” said Senator Jason Lewis. “I was very pleased to work closely with Rep. Lipper-Garabedian and Rep. Wong to secure funds for local projects, including expanding pedestrian and bicycle access to downtown Wakefield, improvements to parks, and downtown revitalization.”

“The Legislature’s successful efforts on the economic development bill will result in significant investments in state programs and resources that support individuals and families,” said Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian. “In addition to critical supports for hospitals and human services workers, MBTA improvements, and housing production, among other statewide initiatives, I’m thrilled that the Wakefield delegation successfully advocated for $410,000 in earmarks for the Town of Wakefield's accessibility, commerce, and infrastructure priorities.”

The economic development bill is now on the Governor's desk awaiting his signature.