Press Releases

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale, DPW Commissioner Nick Erickson, and city officials to highlight nearly $12 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding allocated to replace water mains at Boulder Drive and Main Street in Fitchburg.

“I voted for the American Rescue Plan because I knew it would pay dividends at the local level by helping our cities and towns complete critical infrastructure projects. Replacing the water mains at Boulder Drive and Main Street in Fitchburg will enable future development in downtown Fitchburg and strengthen the city’s economy,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “I’m grateful to Mayor Stephen DiNatale, State Senator John Cronin, State Representative Michael Kushmerek, and members of the City Council for their partnership in putting these funds to good use in Fitchburg.”

“Our water system in the City of Fitchburg is complicated and impressive in its scope and range. Representative Trahan demonstrates once again her commitment to the people of Fitchburg,” said Mayor Stephen DiNatale. “The significant dollars that these ARPA funds provide will improve the quality of life for all of our residents. Thank you Congresswomen Trahan.”

“The City of Fitchburg is very thankful to Congresswoman Trahan for helping the City secure the ARPA funding that is being allocated to the Main Street and Boulder Drive Water Main Replacement Projects, said DPW Commissioner Nick Erickson. “This funding makes it possible to replace over 2 miles of aging water main through the City’s downtown corridor, which in many areas is more than 100 years old. Without this funding, the City would not be able to replace these critical pieces of infrastructure without significant impact to the City’s water rate payers.”

Of the nearly $12 million in American Rescue Plan funding, $6.75 million of the City of Fitchburg’s ARPA funding will support a water main replacement project on Boulder Drive, which includes the construction of 3,600 linear feet of new water main. The other $5 million in ARPA funding will fund the replacement of the 9,600 feet of linear water main on Main Street. 

Trahan secured this funding for the City of Fitchburg through the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act in March of 2021. To date, the legislation has delivered $31,238,459 in federal funding to the city. 

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