Funds for Fino Field Upgrades, Youth Center Programming Included in State Budget

More money from the state will come to the Milford area during Fiscal Year 2016.

As part of the recently passed $­­­­­­­­­38.145 billion state budget, Milford will receive $50,000 for improvements towards Fino Field and another $50,000 for programming at the Milford Youth Center.

Nearby Hopedale will also receive $60,000 for public safety communication upgrades and $30,000 to upgrade the fire department’s hazmat equipment.

The budget also contains $50,000 for an energy efficient upgrade at the Taft Public Library in Mendon.

“Through the vehicle of the annual state budget process, I have continued to successfully advance local priorities for the communities of Milford, Mendon and Hopedale in the areas of public safety, library energy efficiency assistance, and support for recreational opportunities and youth enrichment,” Rep. John V. Fernandes (D-Milford) said in a statement. “These timely investments will protect firefighters and upgrade public safety equipment in Hopedale, financially assist the Mendon library construction project, enhance historic Fino Field and provide constructive activities at the Milford Youth Center. I will continue to work in strong and cooperative partnership with local officials.”

Other notable aspects in the budget include almost $980 in unrestricted government aid, $4.5 million in education funding, and $95.6 million for the state’s Higher Education Scholarship to help eligible Massachusetts residents cover the cost of college.