Sen. Sal DiDomenico and his colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature recently passed a sweeping $1 billion Economic Development Bill, calling for targeted investments in workforce training programs and job creation through ambitious public infrastructure projects.
Sen. DiDomenico filed a number of amendments to the Senate version of the bill, and secured $4.5 million for the Beacham Street Rehabilitation Project in Chelsea to enhance the economic viability of the Produce Center and benefit the many residents traveling through this important corridor.
“I am thrilled that the final version of the economic development bill includes the $4.5 million for Chelsea that I secured in the Senate version of the bill,” said Sen. DiDomenico, Assistant Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate. “This local funding will provide much needed resources for infrastructure improvement projects identified as priorities by our city, and I am confident this bill as a whole will go a long way towards fostering our Commonwealth’s economic strength and innovation, while also making critical investments in our current and future workforce.”
This bill also authorizes millions of dollars in grants to workforce training programs and public infrastructure projects across Massachusetts, including:
- $75 million in competitive grants for technical education and workforce training programs.
- $250 million in bonds to the MassWorks Infrastructure Program that will support thousands of jobs rebuilding roads and bridges, restoring historic ports and completing community revitalization projects.
- $500 million in local economic development aid.
In addition to workforce development, the bill also invests in the state’s cultural economy, promoting the arts and tourism industries.
Additionally, in light of high-profile cyber incidents like last year’s Equifax breach, the bill authorizes $2.5 million in bonds to support the Massachusetts Cybersecurity Innovation Fund, investing in infrastructure needed to address threats and expand the employment pipeline.