MA Economic Development Bill Includes $2M For Newton Projects

NEWTON, MA — The $3.76 billion Massachusetts Economic Development Bill that was approved last week includes a total of $2,095,000 for Newton projects, Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said Thursday.

Baker signed the bill into law after months of back-and-forth between his administration and the state legislature.

"Thanks go to Senator Cindy Creem, Representative Kay Khan and Representative Ruth Balser for sponsoring amendments totaling $2,095,000 to make Newton a more sustainable, fun, and pedestrian & bike friendly City,” Fuller said.

Here is a list of Newton’s earmarks:

• $150,000 towards the Newton Highlands Village Enhancement Project
• $150,000 for the purchase of additional bike share stations
• $70,000 for the City of Newton to expand the composting program and make some composting starter kits available to residents free of charge
• $75,000 towards the design and construction of the new Spears Park community garden
• $400,000 towards the replacement of the Gath Memorial Pool at Albemarle
• $1,250,000 to install a bridge and shared-use path across the Charles River at Christina Street to the conservation area in Needham
• $75,000 for the Commonwealth’s Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to develop a landscape management plan for the Charles River conservation area along Quinobequin Road

Several months ago, the City of Newton let residents know that Rep. John Lawn had successfully sponsored a budget amendment for $200,000 to improve Coletti-Magni Park in Nonantum and Sen. Cindy Creem sponsored a $75,000 amendment to support the NewMo transportation program.

"Huge thanks to our state delegation for championing projects for Newton at the State House,” Fuller said.