Press Releases

Lowell, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) announced three grants for MA3 communities totaling $1,532,356. 

The first grants announced by Congresswoman Trahan come in the amount of $70,000 and is awarded to the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, under the direction of Karen Conard. The organization’s work has established economic development planning and strategies that support capital investment and job creation in the district. This award comes from the Economic Development Administration. 

The second grant announced by Congresswoman Trahan comes in the amount of $120,000 and is awarded to the University of Massachusetts Lowell. This is in support of a research project titled ‘Development of Test Methods and Benchmarks for Industrial Robot Systems,’ overseen by Prefessor Holly Yanco. The provider of this grant is the National Institute of Standards and Technology. 

Lastly, Congresswoman Trahan announced a grant from the Administration for Children and Families at the Office of Head Start in the amount of $1,342,356. This is for a program will support the vital Early Head Start Child Care Partnershipsunder the direction of Deborah Linett in Haverhill.

”I am pleased to announce federal funding for key programs that contribute to our region’s economic development who also directing much needed investment to our earliest learners. I am thrilled that each of these organizations are receiving funds that will help improve our local communities starting with our earliest learners all the way to our job creators," said Representative Trahan. 

Background:This EDA planning investment supports the development and implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) for the region served by the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, which comprises the cities and towns of Essex County, including Amesbury, Andover, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Merrimac, Methuen, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Rowley, Salisbury, and West Newbury.  The CEDS process is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.

###