Senator Jason Lewis Secures Funding for Wakefield Economic Development

The Massachusetts Senate has passed its version of the Fiscal Year 2018 state budget, and Senator Jason Lewis is pleased to announce the passage of a budget amendment for a key Wakefield priority.

Senator Lewis secured a budget amendment for $100,000 in funding for downtown economic development projects via the non-profit organization Wakefield Main Streets, whose mission is to establish and promote downtown Wakefield as a vibrant, inviting destination by fostering historic preservation, economic renewal, and community involvement. Following efforts to gather input from residents and business owners about how best to enhance the downtown area, Wakefield Main Streets developed a plan focusing on new downtown infrastructure including lighting, benches, and informational kiosks.

“I’m very pleased to have secured funding to further enhance downtown Wakefield,” said Senator Lewis. “By improving the aesthetic, ambiance, and infrastructure, downtown Wakefield will become even more of a desirable destination for commerce, dining, and recreation. This is an important investment in Wakefield’s local economy.”

With the passage of the FY18 budget in the Senate, both the Senate and the Massachusetts House of Representatives will name conference committee members who will work to draft a final budget, compromising on differences between the two houses. That final budget will then go to Governor Charles Baker’s desk for his signature and possible line-item vetoes.

With Representatives Paul Brodeur and Donald Wong having secured identical funding in the Massachusetts House of Representatives’ version of the FY18 budget, this funding should be included in that final “conference committee” version of the budget headed to Governor Baker’s desk.