Patrick-Murray Administration Releases $14 Million for Tornado Rebuilding Efforts

SPRINGFIELD – The Patrick-Murray Administration today released $14 million to help mitigate response costs for Massachusetts cities and towns for damage incurred during the June 1 tornadoes in central and western Massachusetts.

This funding comes from the October 27 supplemental budget signed by Governor Deval Patrick and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Highway Division.

“The tornadoes caused hardship and heartbreak for the residents of our communities,” said Governor Patrick. "I am pleased that we were able to expedite these funds to help individuals, families and businesses rebuild better and stronger than before.”

“Six months later many cities and town hardest hit by the devastating tornadoes are still recovering,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “We hope that these funds will help these communities with their ongoing efforts to rebuild.”

$10.1 million of the supplemental funds will help pay for debris monitoring and removal operations, leasing of temporary educational facilities for students displaced as a result of the storm, emergency response activities and facilities maintenance and repairs in the wake of the storm."

The Patrick-Murray Administration has made a commitment to be there for the residents and communities affected by this disaster,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Jay Gonzalez. “Disbursing the funds to affected communities now will help ensure the long term recovery of this area in the future."

$3.9 million from the MassDOT Highway Division will reimburse eight communities for the cost of emergency roadway repairs. These funds will pay for work completed to remove debris, rebuild roadways and repair sidewalks and other transportation-related infrastructure.

“We are pleased to assist these communities by supporting the cost of making these critical repairs following a devastating severe weather outbreak,” said MassDOT CEO and Secretary Richard Davey. “These emergency repairs are unanticipated expenditures for cities and towns, and the Commonwealth is committed to being partners in the cleanup and rebuilding efforts.”

“We worked very hard to make this funding available to the communities affected by the June tornado,” said Senator Stephen M. Brewer. “The road to recovery is long and arduous after such an enormous loss. As I continue to travel through these communities, many in my Senate district, I am humbled by the commitment and dedication to local rebuilding efforts. This money will support that drive and further expedite this challenging process.”

“This funding will be a great aid in the recovery efforts of many in the Central and Western parts of the state affected by the tornado storms,” said House Ways and Means Chairman Brian Dempsey. "At this time of year, this is an important message we can send to these communities to let them know we are supportive of their efforts to rebuild.”

"Working with the administration and our legislative colleagues that represent the affected areas, we were able to include this funding in the supplemental budget," said Senator Thomas McGee. "Moving quickly we were able to make these funds available for the roadway repairs and to help communities address the severe storm damage."

“The Joint Committee on Transportation just recently completed a tour of western Massachusetts and was able to see some of the storm damage first-hand," said Representative William Straus. "This reimbursement will go a long way towards helping those areas that are still in recovery after all these months.”

“I’m very appreciative of the Patrick/Murray Administration through MassDOT Secretary Richard Davey," said Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. "We must remember that we’re not only rebuilding structures and infrastructure, but lives too. This allocation will allow us to move forward in tornado rebuilding efforts in a continued efficient, effective and compassionate manner.”

The following communities will receive emergency funding through Massachusetts Department of Revenue’s Division of Local Services:

Agawam - $55,671

Brimfield - $170,591

East Longmeadow - $14,100

Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District - $16,594

Holland - $4,652

Monson - $1,249,784

Southbridge - $35,405

Springfield - $7,324,611

Sturbridge - $104,280

West Springfield - $171,503

Westfield - $179,253

Wilbraham - $775,008

The following communities will receive emergency repair funding through MassDOT’s Highway Division:

Springfield: $1,363,400- Debris removal, sidewalk repair on 43 roadways

West Springfield: $200,000- Union Street and Main Street

Brimfield: $449,000- Holland Road, East Brimfield Road, Warren Road, Main Street

Monson: $519,000- Ely Road, High Street, Main Street, Hampden Upper, Wilbraham Road

Southbridge: $150,000- Pleasant Street/Airport Access Road

Sturbridge: $172,000- Fiske Hill Road

Westfield: $70,000- Shaker Road, Pontussic Road

Wilbraham: $956,000- Main Street, Stony Hill Road, Tinkham Drive, Rochford Drive