Middlefield, MA – Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined Middlefield Town Administrator Evan Kenney, Middlefield Select Board Chair Ann Marie Visconti, Middlefield Select Board Member Curt Robie, Middlefield Select Board Member Sherri Venditti, and local officials to announce $750,000 in federal funding for renovations to the Middlefield Senior Center. This allocation was made possible through Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) from the Rural Housing Service with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Congressman Neal included funding for this project in the Fiscal Year 2026 spending bill.
“Whether it be a park, a library, or a senior center, there are certain institutions in a community that people come to identify with, which is why preserving them is so critical. That is why I was proud to secure $750,000, providing the catalyst needed to renovate this historic building and ensure it can continue to serve the community for years to come,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “For a tight-knit community like Middlefield, a project of this magnitude makes a world of difference to the residents’ way of life. This announcement is a reminder of why the Founding Fathers entrusted the power of the purse with Congress—we understand the needs of our communities. This is a great day for the people of Middlefield, and I am pleased to be a part of this momentous occasion.”
Constructed in 1901, the Middlefield Senior Center is currently in a state of deterioration, urgently requiring funds to support renovations that will ensure the Center can remain a functional and vital resource for the town. As a cornerstone of the community, the Center hosts essential programs and events, including flu clinics, a monthly nurse-led blood pressure clinic, instructional classes on nutrition, safety, emergency preparedness, and more.
“Congressman Neal and his staff understood just how important this project is to our community. We are especially grateful to Ms. Abby McGovern, whose hard work and dedication helped make this earmark a priority. This investment will benefit Middlefield’s seniors for many years to come,” said Middlefield Select Board Member Curt Robie. “This investment is about more than constructing a building. It is about ensuring that our seniors have a safe, accessible, and welcoming place to come together and remain connected to the community they helped build.”
“Congressman Neal has consistently demonstrated that every community matters,” said Middlefield Select Board Member Ann Marie Visconti. “This funding will have a lasting impact on Middlefield and reflects his longstanding commitment to supporting rural communities throughout the Hill Towns.”
Funding secured by Congressman Neal will support much-needed renovations, including HVAC upgrades and construction improvements to meet ADA requirements. As a result, the Senior Center will be able to serve as a modern, accessible facility where community members can participate in social activities, educational programs, wellness initiatives, and community events, continuing its history of serving as a gathering place for residents.
Under guidelines issued by the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, members of Congress requested CDS funding for projects in their state for Fiscal Year 2026. CDS requests were restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities were permitted to receive CDS funding. This project is one of fifteen CDS projects submitted by Congressman Neal, investing in a variety of initiatives throughout the First Congressional District of Massachusetts.
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