Funding for Natick Labs Included in Supplemental Budget

Courtesy Massachusetts State House

State Representative David Linsky (D-Natick) announced today that $350,000 in funding for MassDevelopment to support the Commonwealth’s defense sector, including Natick Soldier Systems, was included the Supplemental Budget passed by the House of Representatives.

The funding will be used by MassDevelopment to support the efforts of the Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force to protect, promote, and strategically expand the mission and related jobs at each of the Commonwealth’s six military bases.

Natick Soldier Systems Center is responsible for 1612 direct jobs, 12,892 indirect jobs, with an economic impact of $4.1 billion. Collectively, Massachusetts defense and homeland security federal contractsgenerate more than 130,000 jobs in the Commonwealth.

“Natick Labs plays a critical role in the community and in the defense of country,” said Representative Linsky. “Natick Labs is the largest military lab in the country and is a major employer in MetroWest. The technology being developed in Natick helps keep men and women in the armed forces protected and prepared. This funding will allow MassDevelopment to help promote the work in Natick and the five other military bases in the Commonwealth.”

The supplemental budget is now before Governor Patrick for his approval.