Press Releases

LOWELL, MA – Yesterday, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined with state and local leaders to visit infrastructure projects in Ashburnham and Ayer, highlighting $2 million federal funding from the INVEST in America Act set to flow to the local communities once the provisions are made law. 

“When it comes to our outdated infrastructure, Congress has kicked the can down the road for too long, forcing our local communities to foot the bill. Critical provisions from the INVEST in America Act, which we passed in the House early last month, will finally change that by making a once-in-a-generation federal investment in rebuilding our Commonwealth’s roads, bridges, water infrastructure, and more,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “From roadway safety to transportation accessibility, the support included in this package for key infrastructure projects in Ashburnham and Ashby will have significant, tangible benefits for those who call these communities home. I look forward to working with President Biden and my colleagues in the Senate to move these critical investments across the finish line so cities and towns across Massachusetts and our nation can get the support they need to truly build back better.”

“These projects represent significant improvements that will benefit not only the local communities but also the region and the Commonwealth,” said Brad Harris, Montachusett Regional Planning Commission Transportation Director. “It is important that the federal government continues to make investments in the infrastructure to address safety, mobility, and congestion issues. Every dollar helps in getting the problems corrected. The funds earmarked for Route 101 in Ashburnham and the Route 31/Turnpike Road intersection in Ashby will help move these projects forward to implementation, construction, and completion.”

Congresswoman Trahan voted in July to pass the INVEST in America Act, which included more than $19 million in federal funding she successfully requested for infrastructure projects across the Third District. Trahan also secured portions of her bipartisan Stop Sewage Overflow Act in the package, including $2 billion in grants specifically addressing combined sewage overflows (CSOs), an issue that has plagued communities along rivers across the Commonwealth.

During her first stop, Congresswoman Trahan was joined in in Ashburnham by State Senator Anne Gobi (D-Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire and Middlesex), State Representative Jon Zlotnik (D-2nd Worcester), Ashburnham Town Administrator Brian Doheny, Assistant to Town Administrator Mary Calandrella, and Brad Harris, Transportation Project Director at Montachusett Regional Planning Commission. The group participated in a roundtable discussion on the rehabilitation of Route 101 South, which Trahan requested and successfully secured $1 million in INVEST in America Act funding for. The project runs approximately two miles, extending from the intersection of Corey Hill Road to the Ashburnham/Gardner Town line. The improvements will include a consistent typical section and bicycle accommodations along Route 101, making streets safer and more accessible for all. Following the roundtable, the group toured the project site.

“The funding support that Congresswoman Trahan has done for the Town of Ashburnham in the Invest in America Act is greatly appreciated,” said Brian Doheny, Ashburnham Town Administrator. “The $1 million for the roadway rehabilitation will assist in funding a two-mile environmentally friendly multi use travel lane for both bicycles and pedestrians. The economic benefit that this project could stimulate to the Ashburnham community is exciting. The design would allow a safer and health conscious way of travel and this funding will greatly assist with moving this project forward. We truly thank the Congresswoman for her support.”

During her second stop, Congresswoman Trahan was joined in Ashby by Brad Harris, Transportation Project Director at Montachusett Regional Planning Commission to tour the planned intersection improvements at Greenville Road (Route 31) and Turnpike Road. To support the project, Trahan requested and secured $1 million, which would support the project’s goal of enhancing safety and operations at the intersection, resulting in more efficient driving conditions and fewer delays. 

For her final stop, Trahan visited Children’s Garden Nursery School in Ashby with State Senator Gobi and State Representative Sheila Harrington (R-1st Middlesex). The school was supported throughout the pandemic by funding from the American Rescue Plan, including Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding and an Early Education and Care (EEC) Workforce grant. The lawmakers participated in a tour of the facility, followed by a discussion with founder and director Heather Bussell regarding their experience as an essential child care center through COVID-19 and the importance of federal investment in child care.

“It was wonderful to have Congresswoman Trahan, Senator Gobi and Representative Harrington visit Ashby,” said Cathy Biliouris, member of the Ashby Selectboard. “The Children's Garden is a wonderful business in our town and recognition was appreciated. I was also happy to accompany the Congresswoman to the dangerous intersection that is receiving attention in order to reconstruct a safer roadway.”

“Early childhood education is a challenging field with extremely high demand — and the past year has made it obvious that our ability to provide high quality care for children is fragile. Working families need support and childcare facilities need to be able to pay great teachers better wages and provide healthcare benefits. I appreciate Congresswoman Lori Trahan’s visit, and am grateful for her strong support for the American Rescue Plan. If her visiting us can help to provide insight as to how to best support the families of the Commonwealth, then I am happy to play my part,” said Heather Bussell, who was featured in Trahan’s Local Heroes Spotlight initiative for going above and beyond during the pandemic in her role as the founder and director of the Children’s Garden.

Trahan voted in March to pass the American Rescue Plan, which allocated $39 billion for child care providers as the country reopens. Of that funding, the Commonwealth received $512 million in federal child care investments and another $13.6 million in Head Start funding. The relief package also provided financial relief directly to families struggling to cover tuition in the form of an expanded Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. The American Rescue Plan also strengthened and expanded the Child Tax Credit by increasing the amount from $2,000 to $3,000 per child or $3,600 per young child, and made it fully refundable for 2021 — a provision that will ensure low income families can finally access the full benefit to cover expenses, including child care. Monthly payments started hitting bank accounts on July 15th, and will continue through the end of the year.

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