In the News

The Eastern States Exposition has been awarded a large grant from the federal government.  Just weeks after nearly 1.5-million people visited the Big E fair, the exposition is receiving $9-million to invest in the grounds. “It's a good day for the Exposition, a good day for West Springfield, a good day for Western Massachusetts,” said Congressman Richard Neal. Officials gathered on… Read more »

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – An announcement by the Small Business Administration was made at Eastern States Exposition Monday afternoon. The Small Business Administration Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG), that provides emergency assistance for eligible venues affected by COVID-19, awarded Eastern States Exposition $9 million. The program was developed by the Economic… Read more »

The Big E received a $9 million grant from the federal Shuttered Venues Operators Grant Program, U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, the Eastern States Exposition and the U.S. Small Business Administration announced on Monday. “Knowing that they will eventually embrace what we call the trampoline effect,” said Neal at a media event in the fairgrounds’ Coliseum. “They’ll hit it and bounce right… Read more »

CHICOPEE — More than $57 million in improvements will move hundreds of Westover Air Reserve Base employees out of the cold, rain, snow or blazing sun and allow them to do many of their jobs more efficiently and comfortably. Military officers joined with federal and local officials Tuesday to break ground on a hangar designed for the inspections base personnel perform on the country’s… Read more »

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – An event was held at Westover Air Reserve Base for the start of a new aircraft maintenance hangar and the completed indoor small-arms firing range. Breaking ground on a new airplane hangar took place at Westover Air Reserve Base Tuesday. The hangar is for maintenance of C-5 aircrafts and the inspection program for them that takes place at Westover. The current… Read more »

CHICOPEE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Some big changes are happening over at the Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee and officials said Tuesday these new updates will help the Air Force better serve our country. The Westover Air Reserve Base welcomed some special guests to the base on Tuesday to celebrate a groundbreaking. The ceremony marked the start of construction for a hangar. It will… Read more »

A new round of federal COVID relief money has been awarded in western Massachusetts to venues that depend on ticket sales to stay in business. Among the latest recipients of funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Shuttered Venue Operator Grant program is the Springfield Museums which was awarded $1.2 million. Museums President Kay Simpson said it will make up for losses… Read more »

SPRINGFIELD — When the Springfield Museums closed to the public during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, it was the first time in their history. “Our museums are more than 160 years old. We have never in our history been closed to the public. It was shocking,” said Kay Simpson, president and CEO of the Springfield Museums. U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, state Reps. Carlos Gonzalez… Read more »

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Springfield Museums received $1.2 million in funding. This is all part of pandemic recovery efforts by the federal government. Museums officials said this money will ensure doors stay open. This is a lifeline to help these institutions to survive and to recover and to thrive. The Small Business Administration awarded the Springfield Museums a $1.2 million… Read more »

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) has been awarded two grants worth more than $7 million from the U.S. Department of Education to boost student success among Latinx and low-income students in STEM fields, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal announced on Wednesday during a visit to STCC. “I am thrilled to celebrate the success of Springfield Technical Community… Read more »