Lawrence will receive an initial $3,150,420 million for projects in the city

By: El Mundo Boston

Strong support was given to an ambitious legislative proposal that seeks to invest $3.5 billion for economic development in Massachusetts' 351 communities: $2.3 billion in federal ARPA funds and $1.256 million in capital bond authorizations.

The bill that was introduced by Governor Charlie Baker last April received the support of Lawrence Mayor Brian de Peña, who organized a press conference in front of the Island Parkside project with Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Secretary of Housing and Development Economico, Mike Kennealy, and state and federal legislators to show their support for the FORWARD bill.   Lawrence council members also showed their support.

“I am hopeful about the Investing in Future Opportunities for Resilience, Workforce and Revitalized Downtowns (FORWARD) Act because it will help us invest in economic development and our workforce by creating more jobs and opportunities. to continue raising our city to a higher standard of living,” said Mayor de Peña. "I am grateful for the leadership of Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito and our representatives for their strong advocacy to ensure that we continue to obtain the necessary funding for our projects."

"This funding will make a real difference in the lives of Lawrence residents," said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “I am proud to see this $2.3 billion in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act go towards strengthening climate resilience, in infrastructure, in response to Covid-19 unemployment and higher education programs across the Commonwealth. I am grateful to our state and local leaders for their partnership in supporting continued innovation and resiliency in Massachusetts.” 

"This comprehensive economic development legislation will energize our state's workforce, increase access to vocational education, and provide Massachusetts residents and communities with opportunities to prosper," said State Representative Frank A. Moran (D-Lawrence ). "I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass this critically important legislation and would like to thank Governor Baker for his continued support of the City of Lawrence."