Medford Delegation Secures Environmental Funding

Money will Help Fund Wind Turbine, Riverfront Park, Mystic River Improvements

Medford will get a piece of the $1.7 billion bond bill the state recently authorized for land conservation and to make improvements to state park infrastructure.

According to Medford’s State House delegation, Medford will receive $200,000 for the construction of a wind turbine at the McGlynn Elementary and Middle schools, $250,000 to develop a riverfront park adjacent to Clippership Drive and the Mystic River, and $300,000 for the Mystic River Master Plan.

“I am thrilled that we have been able to prioritize so many local projects in the Environmental Bond Bill. Our parks, rinks and bridges- both in my district and across the state- are in need of repair and expansion and with the bond bill, the Legislature has made this a priority”, said State Senator Patricia D. Jehlen (D-Somerville, Medford).

The bond bill includes $1.4 billion for land protection and acquisition, and another $325 million to enhance public parks and rebuild infrastructure, including the repair and construction of DCR bridges and state-run campgrounds, hiking trails, swimming pools, beaches and skating rinks.

“I have long made parks and open space a priority. I am proud of the bill that we passed and even more proud of the funding we were able to include for our community,” said Representative Carl Sciortino (D-Medford, Somerville).

“These environmental projects represent a wide range of plans to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Medford and surrounding communities. They are investments in our future and are both imaginative and forward looking,” said State Representative Sean Garballey (D-Arlington, Medford).

“I am pleased that these important projects were approved. Conservation, energy, and environmental protection were priorities of the legislature this past session and these projects reflect this priority,” said State Representative Paul Donato (D-Medford, Malden).

The bill also provides for the design and construction of urban parks in neighborhoods where there is a lack of recreational space, and it includes authorization for new programs to address climate change, wildlife protection and deteriorating water supply infrastructure.

– InsideMedford.com