Agawam, MA — On Tuesday, August 18, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined Agawam Mayor Chris Johnson, city councilors, and local officials to highlight the impact of federal investments made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). More than $1.5 billion has been invested across the First Congressional District.
In Agawam, $42.8 million was invested in projects and initiatives, with funding streams including:
- $23.8 million in funding from the ARPA, consisting of $8.6 million in Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery funding and $15.2 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III funding.
- $19 million in funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act
“Agawam is fortunate to have great leadership in Mayor Johnson and the City Council, who were able to identify three pressing challenges that otherwise may have gone unaddressed for several years. Enabling local governments to pursue critical investments that might otherwise remain out of reach is precisely what we intended, and I could not be more pleased to join with the Town in celebrating their achievements,” said Congressman Neal. “This tour is a reminder as to why our Founding Fathers entrusted the power of the purse with Congress: we understand the needs of our communities, and we have the responsibility to deliver the federal dollars needed to address them. The investments we are highlighting on this tour speak to that very notion, and I look forward to seeing the tangible results of our efforts.”
As a result of the ARPA, the Town of Agawam was able to complete three major infrastructure projects, including:
- $3.8 million for the Meadow Street Drainage Improvements and Water Main Replacement Project. This project resolved chronic flooding issues and replaced approximately 7,100 linear feet of aging water main. The improvements have strengthened system resilience, enhanced water quality and pressure, and improved fire-flow protection.
- $2.6 million for the North Westfield Street Culvert Replacement Project. This project replaced a deteriorating culvert that had previously required emergency intervention. The new structure improves roadway safety, protects key utility infrastructure, and ensures long-term reliability along a critical connection between Agawam and Westfield.
- $1.9 million for the North Street Culvert Replacement Project. This project addressed a failing and undersized culvert, improving stormwater flow, reducing erosion, and bringing the crossing into compliance with current standards while protecting nearby utilities and environmental resources. This project was also supported by a $1.28 million earmark secured by Congressman Neal.
“Congressman Neal’s leadership has greatly benefited the Town of Agawam and its residents and businesses,” said Mayor Johnson. “The Town was able to complete over $8 million dollars of critical infrastructure projects with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, including the replacement of two major stormwater culverts. In addition, Congressman Neal was able to secure the necessary funding to replace a failing portion of a major sewer interceptor near the Westfield River. Finally, Congressman Neal’s support of the Inflation Reduction Act with its clean energy initiatives will likely result in the Town receiving substantial tax credit funding for its new high school which is served by a geothermal heating and cooling system.”
In addition to the ARPA, MassDOT has received $19 million from the IIJA and the IRA to support infrastructure projects that will benefit the Town of Agawam, including:
- Pavement and bridge preservation on Route 57.
- Improvements to Robinson Park Elementary School.
- Guide and traffic sign replacement on I-291 and sections of Route 5.
The Town will also receive tax credits through the IRA for the new Agawam High School. These tax credits will help finance the school’s geothermal heating and cooling system.
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