This article was adapted from a press release from the office of State Representative Dan Sena.
Representative Danillo Sena (37th Middlesex- Acton)announced this week the passage of three amendments filed to the Massachusetts House of Representatives Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, bringing specific funding to the communities of Acton, Shirley, and Groton to complete projects and town programs. The full House version of the budget passed on April 26.
Funded at $58 billion, $62 million below Governor Maura Healey’s budget proposal, the House’s FY25 budget responds to the needs of residents, provides strong support for the Commonwealth’s cities and towns, and among many critical investments, includes significant funding for education, transportation, health care, housing and workforce development, Sena said.
The budget brings $25,000 to Acton for construction of accessible walkways in the new historic park, $25,000 for Groton for the construction of sidewalks on West Main Street and Route 40, and $25,000 to Shirley to fund reduced or no-cost summer camps for children through the Summer in Shirley program. Sena said this money will help the Middlesex 37th “complete projects that will build community and increase access to parks, programs, and neighborhoods.”
Sena’s office wrote that funding for the Summer in Shirley program will ensure that the camp is open to all children in Shirley regardless of ability to pay. In Acton, money will help to build walkways accessible to all visitors of the new 53 River Street Historic Park, providing a place for the community to gather and enjoy the outdoors. The Groton sidewalk funding will improve pedestrian safety in a high-traveled area of the community, which will connect local businesses and community establishments.
“I’m so excited to see this money included in the 2025 budget,” Sena said. “These three amendments will have a direct and positive impact on our communities. Our district will be more accessible and more welcoming because of these three projects, and I’m glad the House approved the funding to get started.”
“I appreciate the support from Representative Sena for this important project. The former industrial site
containing a hazardous dam has been transformed into a park and the state funding to construct walkways will help all members of the community be able to enjoy the new amenity,” said Acton Town Manager John Mangiaratti.
Speaker Mariano and the House Committee on Ways & Means introduced their FY25 budget proposal on April 10, 2024, following a review of the Governor’s proposal and a series of public hearings. The budget passed the House of Representatives 153-4, and now goes to the Senate for consideration. The full House version of the budget can be read here. The Senate will release their budget soon.