Tsongas Speaks at Groundbreaking for New Hamilton Canal District Projects

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas joined Massachusetts Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash, Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Curt Spalding, City Manager Kevin Murphy and representatives from the U.S. Economic Development Administration at a ceremonial groundbreaking of the second phase of the Hamilton Canal District.

Congresswoman Tsongas said:"The Hamilton Canal District project is a model of what we can do when key stakeholders unite behind a vision for our community and work to make it a reality. Since taking office, I have worked closely with the City of Lowell, State and federal officials to secure public funding, find legislative solutions to potential obstacles, and communicate efficiently with the state and federal agencies in order to transform and reinvent the Hamilton Canal District, the gateway to the City of Lowell. Combined with strong support from the State, this new funding is another key milestone, and represents the crucial partnerships that were necessary to envision and execute this innovative new neighborhood that will benefit Lowell economically and aesthetically well into the future."

Today's event celebrated the federal and state funding that helped make this construction possible, including $4.7 million in funding from MassWorks and $2.4 million from the Economic Development Administration. These funds will go towards constructing the infrastructure and the Signature Bridge over the Pawtucket Canal in the Hamilton Canal District.

Congresswoman Tsongas strongly supported these opportunities for critical investment in the City of Lowell, and has advocated in the past for the projects related to the Hamilton Canal District. Over the past several years, state and federal funds from a variety of sources have supported the projects in the Hamilton Canal District, while also helping to leverage millions in private investments. For example, in 2012, the Canal Street Bridge opened, which was made possible in part by a $2 million federal grant. The project has also attracted support from several federal agencies, including a $2 million Brownfields Economic Development initiative grant from HUD, as well as funding to the Lowell National Historical Park to design canal-side walkways and pedestrian bridges.

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