Press Releases
Neal Announces $400,000 to Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
Springfield, MA,
July 9, 2020
SPRINGFIELD, MA – Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined Pioneer Valley Planning Commission Executive Director Kimberly H. Robinson to announce a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. This funding was made possible through the passage of the CARES Act and provides the EDA with funding for economic development assistance programs across the country to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. “The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission continuously does great work for the 43 cities and towns in Hampden and Hampshire Counties that they work with,” said Congressman Neal. “This funding will allow them to address the needs of those communities as they rebound from the coronavirus pandemic and set a roadmap for the future to put our constituents back to work and grow the economy.” “The EDA has been a steadfast partner for years as we have sought to build a stronger, more vibrant economy here in the Pioneer Valley and we could not be more grateful to the authors of the CARES Act - including our region’s own Congressman Neal - for empowering EDA to once again answer the call and respond to the extraordinary need for funding and support that has been created as a result of COVID-19,” said Robinson. “Our Valley’s economy has suffered great injury over the past several months, and, just as we would treat any injury, this funding will allow us to both address our immediate needs by assessing the damage done and advancing projects that will put our residents back to work in the short-term, while also seeking to understand how we can build a more resilient economy that can withstand the uncertainties of tomorrow in the long run.” This funding to the PVPC will be used to aid in their response to the unusual and compelling urgency of the coronavirus pandemic, including the support of redevelopment and revitalization initiatives in the region to diversify and strengthen the regional economy. More information on the PVPC can be found HERE. ## |