North Shore Project Funding Touted In $4 Billion MA ARPA Bill

BOSTON, MA — The $4 billion American Rescue Plan Act spending bill that the state legislature sent to Gov. Charlie Baker's desk includes $1 million toward projects specific to Beverly, Danvers, Peabody, salem and Topsfield.

State Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) touted how the North Shore delegation worked together to ensure funding for regional efforts as well as overall housing, health care, mental and behavioral health, climate preparedness, education and workforce development goals.

"This landmark legislation supports our commonwealth’s COVID-19 recovery efforts and takes a direct approach to promote and enhance the lives of our residents by making critical investments in the public and mental health sectors," Lovely said, "rewarding our essential and frontline workers for their contributions throughout the pandemic, and improving housing and workforce development opportunities.

"I am honored to work alongside Representatives (Paul) Tucker, (Jerry) Parisella, (Thomas) Walsh and (Sally) Kerans to secure funding for the 2nd Essex District so that our communities and residents get the support they need. Together, the legislature has illustrated our dedication to continue moving Massachusetts closer to the new normal."

Projects specific to Beverly, Danvers, Peabody, Salem and Topsfield include $200,000 for enhancements to the McPherson Teen Center in Beverly, $150,000 for the completion of the Danvers strategic plan, $200,000 for improved lighting in downtown Peabody, $100,000 for the cleanup of the Proctor & Goldthwaite Brooks and the North River in Beverly, $200,000 to improve accessibility at the Salem school playgrounds and Salem Public Library, $50,000 in improvements for Salem Common and $100,000 for signage in downtown Topsfield.

“I am pleased that with the passage of this ARPA spending bill, the legislature has pledged to direct funding towards several areas of interest raised by the 2nd Essex District,” Lovely said.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)