Palmer, MA — Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined Palmer Town Manager Brad Brothers, 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 Palmer, $23.5 million was invested in projects and initiatives, with funding streams including:
- $12.5 million in funding from the ARPA, consisting of $3.7 million in Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery funding and $8.8 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III funding.
- $11 million in funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act
“Today marked another terrific stop on this tour, as we continue to show the people of western and central Massachusetts how their local officials have successfully implemented these funds to improve quality of life and local services,” said Congressman Neal. “In Palmer, the Town Manager and Town Councilors did a terrific job of identifying a variety of challenges confronting their community, and I am so pleased that they were able to take advantage of these generational investments.”
As a result of the ARPA, the Town of Palmer was able to invest in thirty-four initiatives, some of which include:
- $1,363,100.00 for repairs to Duke Track at Palmer High School
- $254,800.00 for the Church Street Bridge
- $34,610.74 for the Town’s ambulance service
- $110,181.00 in investments to the Town Hall, including the security system, front steps and walkway, and interior renovations
- $47,310.00 for a handicap ramp for the Council on Aging
- $50,000.00 for the gymnasium floor replacement at Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School
- $864,206.67 to address the Palmer Road sinkhole
- $70,445.00 for a Department of Public Works vehicle
- $125,073.22 for the Town’s fuel assistance program
- $280,000.00 for the energy management system at Palmer High School
“We are grateful to Congressman Neal for taking the time to visit Palmer and see firsthand the impact that federal investments have had on our community,” said Town Manager Brad Brothers. “These funds have allowed us to complete important projects such as the Hryniewicz Park improvements, the Palmer High School track renovation, and other community enhancements that may otherwise have remained on the Town’s long-term capital plan. We appreciate the Congressman’s continued support and his willingness to listen not only to our success stories, but also to the ongoing infrastructure and community development needs of Palmer.”
In addition to ARPA funds received by the Town of Palmer, MassDOT has received $11 million from the IIJA and the IRA to support the complete replacement of the Three Mile Bridge on Palmer Road on the Palmer-Ware border. As a vital access route between the two towns along Route 32, the bridge replacement will strengthen the reliability and resiliency of a key transportation connection, supporting local businesses, regional mobility, and emergency response.
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