State Gets $44.8M in Federal Funds for Disaster Repairs

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Western Massachusetts is getting some $44.8 million in federal funds for road and bridge repairs related to Hurrican Irene and the tornados that tore through the Springfield area.

The funds come from some $1.6 billion from the U.S. Department of Transportation being dispersed to states and territories affected by natural disasters this year.

Vermont, also hard hit by Hurricane Irene, will receive $125.6 million; North Dakota will receive $89.1 million for the Devils Lake Basin for damage caused by Spring 2011 runoff; and Iowa will receive $37.5 million to repair damage caused by the May 2011 Missouri River flooding.

June 1, 2011
Severe Thunderstorms and Tornado                          $4,002,908


Aug. 26, 2011
Hurricane Irene           $40,747,088
"Communities from coast to coast are still recovering from disasters that have affected the roads they use, their homes and businesses," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "The Obama administration stands ready to provide emergency relief and reimburse these communities for the work that has been done to restore their critical transportation needs."

Funding from the Federal Highway Administration's Emergency Relief Program was provided by the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2012. FHWA will provide a total of $1.58 billion to 30 states, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and federal land management agencies to reimburse them for repairs to roads and bridges caused by storms, flooding, hurricanes and other natural and catastrophic disasters.

Tags: Irene,   roadwork,   tornados,   

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Mass MoCA Welcomes New Tenant, Hosts Route 2 Study Reveal

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art Commission approved a new tenant Monday for the third floor of Building 1, above Bright Ideas Brewery.
 
Gianne Inc. uses recycled materials to create funcational art. 
 
"They are corporation that recycles textiles into functional handmade home art pieces such as quilts and rugs, promoting sustainability through creative design," said Jason Ahuja, senior manager of public initiatives.
 
According to Ahuja, the company is a mother and son duo who will be producing their work in the 400 square foot space.
 
Their lease will be two years long and started on Oct. 1. 
 
Director of Public Initiatives & Real Estate Morgan Everett updated the commission on an upcoming exhibition, "Race/Hustle" by Zora J Murff. The exhibit will be on view starting Dec. 6.
 
The exhibit features many different types of works "that examine physical, psychic, and political violence, the rhythms and resonances of oppression throughout history and into the present, and the harmful desires that our visual culture cultivates," according to the Mass MoCA website.
 
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