Rep. Trahan has submitted funding requests for community projects in Massachusetts’ Third Congressional District to the House Appropriations Committee.
Under guidelines issued by the Appropriations Committee, each Representative may request funding for up to 15 projects in fiscal year 2025. Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding. Additional information on the reforms governing Community Project Funding is available here. In compliance with House rules and Appropriations Committee requirements, Rep. Trahan has certified that neither she nor her immediate family has any financial interest in any of the projects she has requested. The submissions are listed in alphabetical order by city/town of the proposed recipient.
[Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee]
Sheltered Bus Stops for Boxborough/Acton Inter-Town Bus Service
Amount Requested: $455,000
Recipient:
Town of Boxborough, Massachusetts
29 Middle Road, Boxborough, MA 01719
Project Description: The funding will support the Towns of Boxborough and Acton with the funding necessary to construct covered bus stops to support their new inter-town bus service. The bus shelters will ensure that residents of both towns can access the bus service year-round, regardless of weather conditions. These bus stops will be located in dense housing neighborhoods, senior housing locations, grocery stores, small businesses, and the South Acton commuter rail station.
Justification: The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the covered stops will allow residents of the two towns to access the bus service year-round, regardless of weather. These bus shelters will be ADA compliant so that all residents will be able to take advantage of the public transit service. This will directly broaden access to economic opportunity for residents of both towns with stops at the local senior centers, grocery stores, small businesses, and the South Acton commuter rail station.
Federal Nexus: The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).
Signed Disclosure Agreement
[Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee]
Water Street Gateway Corridor Sidewalk and Lighting Replacement Project
Amount Requested: $1,500,000
Recipient:
City of Fitchburg, Massachusetts
718 Main Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420
Project Description: The funding would be used to install new sidewalks and lighting along Water Street, a gateway corridor from the highway to Downtown Fitchburg. The current deteriorating concrete and asphalt sidewalks along this road require replacement and ADA-compliance to ensure pedestrian safety when navigating the corridor.
Justification: The project is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it will provide the base infrastructure necessary to attract future investments in the redevelopment of Downtown Fitchburg. By investing in walkability and ADA-compliance of Water Street, members of the community of all physical abilities will be able to safely navigate the corridor while patronizing or working at the local businesses.
Federal Nexus: The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).
Signed Disclosure Agreement
[Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee]
Gardner Community Center
Amount Requested: $1,300,000
Recipient:
City of Gardner, Massachusetts
95 Pleasant Street, Gardner, MA 01440
Project Description: The funding would be used to support the final phase of the redevelopment of the former Waterford Street School building to open a new community center in Gardner. The property is owned and operated by the City of Gardner and rehabilitation of this site will transform it into a multipurpose facility housing residential services and community events.
Justification: This project is a valuable use of taxpayer funds due to the community and economic development benefits which the completion of the Community Center will provide to the residents of Gardner. The project will empower community-led growth by providing much-needed space for local organizations and residential service providers to expand their operations.
Federal Nexus: The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(4).
Signed Disclosure Agreement
[Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee]
North Central Massachusetts Auto Technician Training Center Expansion Project
Amount Requested: $1,000,000
Recipient:
Mount Wachusett Community College
42 Linus Allain Avenue, Gardner, MA 01440
Project Description: The North Central Massachusetts Auto Technician Training Center Expansion Project supports the final phase of renovations to expand the Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) Automotive Technician Training Center at 42 Linus Allain Avenue in Gardner, Massachusetts. The funding would be used to reconstruct and improve 12,000 square feet of unused warehouse space at MWCC’s existing training center. The renovation project includes the addition of new classrooms and repair bays for students to learn about the diagnosis, repair, and service of hybrid and electric vehicles and future expansion into auto body repair or diesel technician training. This expansion will allow MWCC to expand access to their automotive technician courses which will allow more students in the region to pursue good-paying careers and meet industry demand, directly contributing to workforce development in the North Central Massachusetts region.
Justification: This project would be a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it will reconstruct and improve a training facility that will address growing industry demand for automotive repair and maintenance technicians trained in hybrid and electric vehicle technology in the North Central Massachusetts region. The remaining unused warehouse space represents an untapped opportunity for significant regional workforce development. Through this project, taxpayer dollars can directly contribute to skill-based technical educational opportunities for community college students so that they can enter good-paying careers.
Federal Nexus: The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(4).
Signed Disclosure Agreement
[Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies]
Groton/Dunstable/Pepperell Regional Water System Expansion for PFAS Mitigation Project
Amount Requested: $4,500,000
Recipient:
Town of Groton, Massachusetts
173 Main Street, Groton, MA 01450
Project Description: The funding will bring clean potable municipal drinking water to the Groton-Dunstable Regional High School and surrounding private properties in Groton and Dunstable that have been contaminated by PFAS/PFOA from a fire in 2003 that was extinguished using firefighting foam.
Justification: The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it directly addresses a public health threat of PFAS contamination detected in the school’s water supply. This project will provide clean drinking water to the school so that students, faculty, and nearby families do not have to think twice about the safety of the water they are drinking.
Federal Nexus: The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by Section 1452 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. 300j-12.
Signed Disclosure Agreement
[Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee]
Merrimack Downtown Redevelopment Project
Amount Requested: $2,500,000
Recipient:
City of Haverhill, Massachusetts
4 Summer Street, Haverhill, MA 01830
Project Description: The funding would be used for a mixed-use economic development and community enhancement project which will bring new jobs to Haverhill and new customers to local businesses. This funding will be used to support infrastructure improvements necessary to complete Phase II of the city’s downtown redevelopment project so that all community members of all physical capabilities can safely access the economic and educational opportunities located in downtown Haverhill.
Justification: The project is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it will improve the public infrastructure around the development site, including the plaza facing Merrimack Street, and create open spaces, residential developments, and new parking for business. Specifically, the accessible plaza included in this project will support a food hall designed to benefit graduates of the Northern Essex Community College Institute of Culinary Arts.
Federal Nexus: The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2) and 5305(a)(5).
Signed Disclosure Agreement
[Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee]
Lawrence Bridges Restoration Project
Amount Requested: $2,500,000
Recipient:
City of Lawrence, Massachusetts
200 Common Street, Lawrence, MA 01840
Project Description: The funding will contribute to the restoration and improvement of two critical bridges in the City of Lawrence: the Joseph W. Casey Bridge and the Daisy Street Bridge.
Justification: The project is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it will deliver significant safety and economic benefits to the Lawrence community. By restoring these bridges, the City of Lawrence will reduce public safety risks for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians using the bridges. Additionally, once restored, these bridges will foster economic growth, local commerce, and community connectivity for the residents of Lawrence, making it easier for them to travel to work, school, and patronize local businesses.
Federal Nexus: The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 23 U.S.C. 133.
Signed Disclosure Agreement
[Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies]
The Phoenix Essex County Community Reentry Project
Amount Requested: $750,000
Recipient:
Phoenix Multisport, Inc. d/b/a The Phoenix
360 Merrimack Street, Lawrence, MA 01843
Project Description: The Phoenix Essex County Community Reentry Project will support the Phoenix’s partnership with the Essex County Sheriff's Department (ECSD) on their Supporting Transitions And Reentry (STAR) program at their facility in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Through this reentry program, The Phoenix and ECSD provide a robust schedule of programs for individuals involved with the criminal justice system and law enforcement staff to create a resilient, healing community within Essex County’s criminal legal system.
Justification: The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the Phoenix’s STAR Program works towards reducing recidivism in partnership with the courts, corrections, and the community through connections to mental health, substance use, educational and vocational training supports for individuals involved with the criminal justice system. This model has been successfully executed in the neighboring Middlesex County in partnership with the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department. Working hand in glove with the Sheriff’s Department, this funding will be used to replicate the Phoenix’s success in Middlesex County, directly supporting pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals in Essex County to re-enter the community and lead successful, meaningful lives free of addiction and recidivism.
Federal Nexus: The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by the Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) program, section 501 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. § 10152).
Signed Disclosure Agreement
[Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies]
Littleton Common Sewer System Expansion Project
Amount Requested: $1,500,000
Recipient:
Town of Littleton
37 Shattuck Street, Littleton, MA 01460
Project Description: The Littleton Common Sewer System Expansion Project will support the construction of a new sewer system to support economic development in the Town of Littleton. Redevelopment of Littleton Common, the Town’s central commercial hub, is currently underway and the Town requires additional sewer discharge capacity to support this project. The mixed-use redevelopment of Littleton Common will support multi-family and commercial developments in underutilized properties, making this added discharge capacity a priority for the Town. Providing additional sewer capacity by expanding the discharge site to 300,000 gallons per day will ensure that the Town is able to fully capitalize on the developmental potential of the area while simultaneously providing the necessary infrastructure to support the mitigation of existing water quality concerns.
Justification: This expanded system is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it will provide essential sewer utility to ensure the health and safety of the residents of Littleton. This project will support the Town’s compliance with updated drinking water standards, protect groundwater and surface water quality in the region, and support mixed-use redevelopment which will create a vibrant, walkable village center in Littleton Common. The full sewer system expansion project will increase the system’s capacity by 25%, supporting this current redevelopment project and opening the door for future development opportunities at other parcels in the Common. This project will set the stage for tangible economic development opportunities by establishing the necessary infrastructure, making this a worthwhile use of taxpayer funds.
Federal Nexus: The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by Title VI of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C 1381 et seq.
Signed Disclosure Agreement
[Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies]
Centralville Sewer Separation Project
Amount Requested: $5,000,000
Recipient:
City of Lowell
375 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852
Project Description: The funding would be used to support the completion of Phase I of the Centralville Sewer Separation Project to separate the Humphrey’s Brook and Billings Street Wetlands combined sewer system in the Centralville neighborhood of Lowell. This will entail the installation of a large-diameter conveyance system ranging from 48-inches in diameter to a 5-foot by 6-foot box culvert and a new outfall to the Merrimack River. Core components include the installation of the mainline drain conduit, rehabilitation of existing sewer pipes and laterals, extensive underground utility conflict resolutions, and roadway paving.
Justification: The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will directly contribute to the reduction, both by frequency and volume, of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) in the Merrimack River. Sewer separation helps to mitigate the risk of combined sewer overflows (CSOs), which can lead to contamination of water bodies and public health hazards. By separating stormwater and wastewater, the burden on treatment plants is reduced, extending their lifespan and adding capacity for further economic development all while avoiding costly plant upgrades. Additionally, sewer separation can help prevent basement backups and flooding during heavy rainfall, saving taxpayers from expensive property damage repairs. The long-term benefits and cost-savings in the form of improved public health and safety, infrastructure resilience and efficiency, and regulatory compliance make this sewer separation project a valuable use of taxpayer funds.
Federal Nexus: The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by Title VI of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C 1381 et seq.
Signed Disclosure Agreement
[Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee]
Lowell Priority Intersections Project
Amount Requested: $3,300,000
Recipient:
City of Lowell
375 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852
Project Description: The Lowell Priority Intersection Project will support necessary upgrades to aging infrastructure at priority intersections in the Acre Neighborhood within the City of Lowell. In order to prepare the neighborhood for an expected increase in vehicular and pedestrian traffic due to upcoming developments, the funding will support improved pedestrian infrastructure to ensure access to ADA-compliant, multimodal transportation options in this key corridor of the City. This project will contribute to the economic development opportunities created by the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINC) by ensuring that drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians are able to safely and efficiently navigate the area to capitalize on these opportunities.
Justification: The project is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because these intersections are critical and essential to accessing educational and economic opportunities in the City of Lowell. Due to their proximity to several local businesses, Lowell High School, and the University of Massachusetts Lowell, daily vehicular and pedestrian traffic at these intersections is high. Through LINC, the City, in partnership with the University, is actively working to redevelop this portion of campus and the surrounding neighborhoods, which will only increase this traffic. This project will upgrade the infrastructure at these priority intersections to ensure that drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians are able to navigate the area safely and efficiently.
Federal Nexus: The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).
Signed Disclosure Agreement
[Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies]
University of Massachusetts Lowell Space Mission Design and Monitoring Command Center Equipment
Amount Requested: $2,000,000
Recipient:
University of Massachusetts Lowell
220 Pawtucket Street, Lowell, MA 01854
Project Description: The purchase of equipment for the Space Mission Design and Monitoring Command Center will be a strategic catalyst for bolstering the state's technological workforce in space exploration and will enhance UMass Lowell’s robust academic offerings across critical fields such as physics, engineering, computer science, and cybersecurity while fostering the new Aerospace Engineering pathway from undergraduate to doctoral levels. The comprehensive facility will serve as a cornerstone for STEM education, directly benefiting a wide spectrum of learners, from K-12 students to those in higher education. This request furthers NASA space missions and supports the development of the STEM workforce through hands-on education opportunities.
Justification: The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because this comprehensive facility will serve as a cornerstone for STEM education, directly benefiting a wide spectrum of learners, from K-12 students to those in higher education. This request furthers NASA space missions and supports the development of the STEM workforce through hands-on education opportunities.
Federal Nexus: The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by section 20102 of title 51, United States Code.
Signed Disclosure Agreement
[Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies]
Lunenburg Stormwater Management Project
Amount Requested: $450,000
Recipient:
Town of Lunenburg
17 Main Street, Lunenburg, MA 01462
Project Description: The Lunenburg Stormwater Management Project will support the replacement of deteriorating water infrastructure which will assist the Town of Lunenburg in its stormwater management efforts. This funding will be used to install the necessary stormwater drainage infrastructure at Laurel Lane which frequently floods during extreme weather events. The roadway is very narrow and flat with limited opportunities to direct runoff other than through a lengthy drainage pipe running north. This funding will also support the replacement of the 24 in. corrugated metal pipe (CMP) culvert under Northfield Road which conveys a small perennial stream beneath the roadway into Kelly’s Pond. This culvert is completely deteriorated and at risk of collapsing during an extreme weather event which could result in road closures which would present a safety concern for emergency responders.
Justification: This project is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it will benefit Lunenburg residents by proactively addressing these infrastructure concerns to avoid the need for emergency repairs. The current culvert at Northfield Road requires frequent maintenance by the Lunenburg Department of Public Works. The replacement culvert will require less maintenance allowing the DPW staff to direct their attention to other issues in the Town. By improving the underlying water infrastructure for these roadways, this project will support economic efficiency and in turn reduce vehicle maintenance costs for residents. Furthermore, the project will reduce runoff and overflow, protecting Lunenburg residents by reducing the chances of vehicles hydroplaning, ensuring pedestrian safety, and reducing the impacts of future extreme weather events.
Federal Nexus: The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by Title VI of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C 1381 et seq.
Signed Disclosure Agreement
[Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies]
Ripley Avenue/Hurley Circle Drainage Infrastructure Project
Amount Requested: $2,400,000
Recipient:
City of Marlborough
140 Main Street, Marlborough, MA 01752
Project Description: The project funding will help to address and alleviate a historical flooding issue in the Ripley Avenue/Hurley Circle neighborhood during intense storm events. When the current drainage system is overwhelmed, it overflows onto the streets and into private properties and homes, causing property damage and dangers to motorists. Design work for this project has already been completed and the funding will be used to upgrade the drainage infrastructure by installing approximately 2,000 feet of new 36-inch drainage pipe within Ripley Avenue, to convey runoff away from the intersection at Ripley Avenue/McGee Drive to the outfall into Millham Brook. The installation of these upgraded drainage pipes are critical to assist the City with its stormwater management efforts and ensure the drainage infrastructure is more resilient to handle future extreme storm events.
Justification: The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because during severe storm events, the current drainage system is overwhelmed and results in flooding of public roadways and private property. The upgraded infrastructure provided through this project will protect private properties in the area from future damage from more frequent occurrences of these types of storm events. These drainage upgrades will benefit the residents of Marlborough by reducing flooding at the Ripley Avenue/McGee Drive intersection and reducing flood damage throughout the neighborhood. The project will eliminate the need for future mitigation, repair, and cleanup efforts following flood events.
Federal Nexus: The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by Title VI of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C 1381 et seq.
Signed Disclosure Agreement
[Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies]
Westford PFAS Treatment Infrastructure Project
Amount Requested: $2,134,000
Recipient:
Town of Westford
55 Main Street, Westford, MA 01886
Project Description: The Westford PFAS Treatment Infrastructure Project will support the Town of Westford in the construction of two new treatment facilities to remove PFAS contaminants from their drinking water at Nutting Road and Forge Village Water Treatment Plants. This funding will support the final design and construction of the treatment plants. This critical PFAS treatment project has been included on the 2024 Massachusetts Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Final Intended Use Plan. The construction of these new treatment plants will ensure the health and safety of the residents of Westford.
Justification: The Westford Water Department has identified elevated levels of PFAS in the drinking water during routine (quarterly) monitoring at both the Forge Village and Nutting Road Water Treatment Plants (WTPs). The Town is currently engaged in conducting feasibility and pilot studies and identified centralized treatment at two existing WTP (Nutting Road and Forge Village) as the most cost-effective centralized treatment solution. To meet the forthcoming state standards, the Town has prioritized construction of this additional treatment capability. The Town has taken a very proactive stance in addressing these detected pollutants and already committed local utility ratepayer funds to meeting it. Currently, the Town plans to service the loan with revenues from water utility rates, which were increased by 22% this year with plans for additional future increases through at least 2035. Ultimately, the Town’s residential and commercial water customers will bear over 90% of the total project cost, making this a valuable and worthwhile leveraging of federal taxpayer funds. These federal funds will reduce the financial burden of these necessary treatment facilities on the residents and businesses of Westford.
Federal Nexus: The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by Section 1452 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. 300j-12.
Signed Disclosure Agreement
