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| By G. Michael Dobbs Managing Editor SPRINGFIELD Two state representatives announced last week that the city would have access to state money if the Environmental Bond Bill makes it through the Senate and onto Gov. Deval Patrick's desk. The legislation would allow the city to bond through the state for specific projects, Lisa Rosenfeld of Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera's office, explained. State Rep. Benjamin Swan predicted to Reminder Publications that Patrick would support the measure as it took its inspiration from concerns Patrick noted over the condition of park and recreation areas around the state. State Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera characterized the earmarks as "wins" for the city. Swan earmarked the following projects: $1.5 million to begin the rehabilitation and cleanup of Lake Massasoit $1.5 million to clean up the Mill River $650,000 for improvements, expansion and rehabilitation of the swimming pool at Blunt Park $1 million for the clean up and renovation of the former Mason Square Fire Station $2 million for the repair and upgrading of dams. Swan said the funds for the Mason Square Fire Station which has been cited as one of the possible locations for a new library in Mason Square would be used for asbestos abatement and other kinds of primary rehab in anticipation of a new use of the building. "I don't know how far $1 million would go, but it's a good start," he said. He added that in the Transportation Bond bill, which is awaiting Patrick's signature, there is an earmark for $5 million for a parking garage for the fire station that would benefit both the redevelopment of the station and the continued development of the former Indian Motocycle building. Coakley-Rivera's earmarks include: $1 million for repairing erosion damage in Forest Park near Swan Pond and the Pecousic Brook $200,000 for the renovation of Liberty Heights Park $250,000 for new lights on Plainfield Street in Kenefick Park $1.5 million for the rehabilitation of the Springfield Riverfront Park Access to funding of $500,000 for lights and security cameras for the Connecticut River Bike Path, which runs from the South End to the North End of Springfield. Coakley-Rivera said, "In tight economic times such as these, you have to stress the pressing needs of your constituents, neighborhoods and the environment. You need to make a well-thought out and substantiated case to get the necessary funding. I am proud to present the latest funding opportunities for local Springfield parks that will enhance the quality of life in Springfield and protect our flora and fauna." |