Press Releases
Neal Joins Springfield Museums to Celebrate $1.2 Million in SBA Funding
Springfield, MA,
October 7, 2021
Springfield, MA – Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined President and CEO of Springfield Museums Kay Simpson and the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Massachusetts District Director Robert Nelson for the announcement of a $1,202,953 Shuttered Venue Operator Grant (SVOG). As part of the American Rescue Plan, the SVOG program provided over $16 billion in grants to shuttered venues and was administered by SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. “The Springfield Museums is a staple in the cultural scene of downtown Springfield,” said Congressman Neal. “The five world-class museums and Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden are institutions of learning for children and adults of all ages. These funds from the SBA will allow for the Springfield Museums to bounce back, sustain operations, and continue to provide access to the arts in a safe environment.” Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Springfield Museums was forced to close for four months – the first time this has happened in its 164-year history. “As a beloved community anchor and an important informal-learning hub, we were overjoyed to re-open in July 2020,” Simpson said. “Our visitors make our Museums alive with energy and potential and we are so glad to have them back in our buildings. We are deeply grateful for the funds provided by the Shuttered Venue Operator Grant, which will help us make up for the lost time during that four month period.” In July 2021, Congressman Neal announced $20,010,864 in SVOG grants to Massachusetts’ First Congressional District. As of September 27, 2021, CD-1 has received 6 more SVOGs – including this one to the Springfield Museums – bringing that total up to 39 grants totaling $27,374,136. The new SVOG awards include:
More information on the SVOG program can be found HERE. ## |