Press Releases

Congressman Richard E. Neal today celebrated a critical first step in protecting the lives and livelihoods of residents of North Adams.  

In April, Congressman Neal submitted a Community Project Funding Request for Fiscal Year 2023, also known as an earmark, to the Appropriations Committee on behalf of the City of North Adams. The earmark has been approved and is included in the House bill where it awaits further action.   

The Hoosic River Basin Flood Control System was constructed in the 1940s and 1950s by the US Army Corps of Engineers to prevent the destruction and loss of life in North Adams, MA. After nearly 70 years, the cement panels that bound the river have passed their useful life and begun to fail and collapse into the river. The collapsing panels allow the river to flow behind the flood control system further undermining the structure. 

In addition, Congressman Neal worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to give this project the coveted “new start” designation, allowing the Corps to begin receiving funding on its behalf and essentially jumpstart progress.

“As a former Mayor, I know how important issues like these are,” said Congressman Neal. “Not only will this feasibility study work toward enhancing protections along the Hoosic River Basin, but it will also rehabilitate infrastructure, support the ecosystem, create jobs, and, most importantly, reduce flood risk.”

Under guidelines issued by the Appropriations Committee, each Representative may request funding for up to 10 projects in their community for fiscal year 2023 – although only a handful may actually be funded. Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding. Additional information on the reforms governing Community Project Funding is available HERE.

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