BOSTON - June 25, 2009 As part of Governor Deval Patrick's Massachusetts Recovery Plan, the Patrick Administration announced today that planning for construction of a new interchange on Route 24 is moving forward under an aggressive timeline as a "shovel-ready" project using federal highway stimulus funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

"I am delighted to invest federal stimulus funds in this project, and to provide lasting economic impact in this community," said Governor Deval Patrick.

"I am grateful to Governor Patrick for this decision," said Congressman Barney Frank. "The 8B interchange is important both for the jobs it will provide during construction, and for what it will do to enhance economic development in our region. It is one more example of the benefits we are getting from the economic stimulus bill."

"I'm very pleased that critical transportation projects - like the Route 24 project - are being funded by federal stimulus dollars," said Representative James McGovern. "These projects will not only create much-needed jobs right now, they will also prepare us to create the jobs of the future."

The $70 million Route 24 project includes a new Exit 8B interchange along with construction of new access roads that will provide economic benefits to Freetown and Fall River by improving access to commercial developments. The transportation project builds on $17 million in economic development grants that the Patrick Administration awarded earlier this year for the creation of the Fall River Executive Park. Officials expect the interchange work to be done using the innovative design-build delivery system to complete projects more quickly and cost-effectively. A Notice to Proceed on the projected is scheduled for this fall.

"Our recovery efforts are using this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in projects that create jobs, support transit and spark economic development," said Transportation Secretary James Aloisi, Jr. "In every corner of the Commonwealth, we are putting people to work to build safer roads and more livable communities."

"We are proud of this infrastructure initiative which provides the dual benefit of immediate jobs for Massachusetts residents that will result in long-term improvements for commuters across the Route 24 corridor," said Jeffrey A. Simon, Director of Infrastructure Investment for the Commonwealth.

"This investment is crucial to strengthening the local economy, by continuing to enhance our roadways while simultaneously making strides in economic development," said Senator Joan M. Menard. "This collaborative effort reiterates the state and federal delegation's continuous commitment in making the Route 24 project a reality for the South Coast."

"I applaud Governor Patrick, Secretary Aloisi, and Commissioner Paiewonsky for committing stimulus funds to the Route 24 interchange project in Freetown. The construction of this interchange is critical to the region's economic development and will create jobs in a part of the Commonwealth that has been plagued with unemployment. This is a good project and a worthy use of federal stimulus dollars," said Representative David B. Sullivan.

"The planned construction of a new interchange for Route 24 in Freetown will create significant opportunities for sound economic development and job creation for our region," said Representative Stephen Canessa. "Through the hard work of many, this project is considered to be shovel-ready and therefore eligible for federal economic stimulus funds, which will help to make this critically important economic development and jobs project a reality."

"The use of stimulus funds is ideally suited to the Rt. 24 Interchange Project," said Representative Robert M. Koczera. "The Project is ready to go and will provide economic development opportunities for the region".

"This funding is critical in finally bringing this promising economic development project to fruition," said Representative John F. Quinn. "There are thousands of good paying jobs that will occur as a result of this project and it is an excellent use of stimulus funds."

"The Route 24 interchange means jobs, jobs, jobs for Fall River. I'm elated that a project of this magnitude and importance for job creation was considered and approved for stimulus funds," said Fall River Mayor Robert Correia. "The funding for this project is a strong vehicle for regional equity and I'm very appreciative of Governor Deval Patrick's forceful support and clear understanding of our transportation and economic development needs."

"The Rt. 24 interchange project is vitally important to the transportation network in southeastern Massachusetts. It will open up tremendous potential for job opportunities for New Bedford residents," said New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang.

Under an aggressive timeline set by Governor Patrick, 31 shovel ready projects have moved forward under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), representing an investment of $187.4 million.

Massachusetts has received the authority from the federal government to spend a total of $437.9 million on transportation projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, including the $153.2 million committed to "shovel-ready" projects advertised for bid by the end of June.

Projects funded with the remaining transportation federal stimulus funds must be advertised for bid by March 2010. The total stimulus funding for Massachusetts includes $319 million in recovery funds for transit projects at the Regional Transit Authorities and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in addition to a total of $437 million in highway funding.

Federal recovery funds enhance the Patrick-Murray Administration's two year effort to address a legacy of neglect inherited from previous Administrations. The Administration working with the Legislature has approved more than $9 billion for road, bridge and transit projects through Transportation Bond bills and an historic eight-year Accelerated Bridge Repair Program.

For more information about Massachusetts' transportation stimulus projects, including an interactive Google map, visit EOT's recovery web page at: www.eot.state.ma.us/recovery/

For more information about Governor Patrick's Massachusetts Recovery and Reinvestment Plan website visit: www.eot.state.ma.us/recovery/

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