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.
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It is good to see some relief coming from all the distruction to our area inflicted upon us by mother nature. My question to Ms. Daniels or any person with information would be, is North Adams included in communities receiving funds? And, if so would the city of N.A have to apply for the funds, or is it obtained automatically? I ask as from my understanding we currently do not have a grant writer in the city. I understand that in the past we have not received money that was attainable from a previous ice storm, nor any economic grant money that the city was eligible to apply for. Hopefully in this particular instance North Adams will not left out in the cold once again.
Editor: Of course the city applied for the funds. This was done through the state and FEMA. Michael Nuvallie, in the city's community development office, writes many of the grants the city gets.
There seems to be a lot kerfuffle over a Massworks grant that went to Pittsfield, which had been advocating for that grant for some time.
Mount Greylock Summit Opening Day
Mount Greylock, Adams
Welcome the warm weather on the state's highest peak. Bascom Lodge opens Saturday at 10 a.m. A live raptor demonstration is at noon on Saturday; beekeeping presentation from 11 to 2 and presentation on the Greylock Glen at 5:30 on Sunday.
The War Memorial will also be open. Tours and a presentation on the "Tower of Remembrance" will be held on Sunday and Monday at 1 and 2 p.m. Meet at the bronze map.
Shakespeare & Company Community Day
70 Kemble St., Lenox
Time: Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event features live demonstrations and performances, scavenger hunts, film screenings, food trucks, and dozens of other local nonprofits sharing the ways they serve the Berkshires — and beyond.
Radical Reptile Series
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.
Second of a three-part series on reptiles and amphibians introduced by The Reptile Nook. This Saturday will focus on the world of lizards, and next Saturday on snakes.
The 39th annual arts and crafts festival with more than 100 vendors. Free and family friendly with live performances, food trucks and local restaurant and downtown business specials. Held on Main and School streets.
Introduction to Bird Watching
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Time: 9 to 11 a.m.
Interested in learning about the birds and trying to catch a glimpse of all the different types? Join Mass Audubon and practice birding. Bring your own binoculars, some loaners available.
The market is open every Saturday. Every week, locally grown food, flowers, and plants will be available, along with other local vendors. The market accepts and offers doubling SNAP, HIP, WIC, and Senior market coupons. More information is here.
Lee Farmers Market
The Town Park
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The market offers locally grown produce, prepared foods, locally created arts and crafts, and herbal products. YogaLee offers free community yoga from 9:30 to 10:30 on the first Saturday of each month.
The market accepts SNAP, HIP, Senior Coupons, and WIC Coupons and also offers Market Match. More information here.
Lenox Farmers Market
St. Ann's Church
Fridays: 11 to 3.
This market is open every Friday through Sept. 12 and features fresh produce, pastries, cheeses, and more.
Brooke Harrington scored four goals, and Abigail Rodhouse had a hat trick as Wahconah won its second straight Western Mass title and the rubber match against the Mounties in the third one-goal game between the teams this spring. click for more
The graduates of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts' 127th commencement were sent off with the charge of "don't stop now" to make the world a better place.
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