The City of Somerville’s Highland Avenue Streetscape Project will benefit to the tune of $850,000, thanks to the efforts of Rep. Ayanna Pressley. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley announced $13,009,444 in federal Community Project Funding for 15 total projects across the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District in Fiscal Year 2024 (FY2024). Out of the 15 projects, the City of Somerville will receive $850,000 for the Highland Avenue Streetscape Project.

The projects, which Rep. Pressley has championed throughout the FY2024 appropriations process, would support affordable housing for LGBTQ+ seniors, childcare, economic development, accessible and resilient infrastructure, coastal flood mitigation, waterfront green space, life sciences, and more.

With this funding, Congresswoman Pressley has secured a total of approximately $35 million in federal community project funding for the Massachusetts 7th since FY2022.

“We fought hard to get these resources over the finish line and they are essential to our work of building a more just and equitable Massachusetts 7th,” said Rep. Pressley. “From affordable housing and childcare to climate resilience and accessible infrastructure, these federal dollars will help change and save the lives of folks in our district, and I am proud to partner with municipalities and grassroots organizations in the Massachusetts 7th to continue delivering resources our communities deserve.”

“The $850,000 secured for Somerville’s Highland Ave Streetscape Project will not only revitalize one of our most traveled roads, but also enrich the lives of our residents, fostering connectivity, safety, and economic growth,” said Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. “I want to extend my deepest thanks to Rep. Pressley for her unwavering support in championing initiatives that empower Somerville to be a city that truly serves and uplifts its community.”

According to Pressley, “The funding would be used for streetscape improvements including include safe, separated bicycle facilities; pedestrian safety measures (e.g., traffic calming, more frequent crossings, and wider, ADA-compliant sidewalks); and MBTA bus improvements (e.g., upgraded traffic signals, extra wide bus stops. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will these improvements will improve safe access to neighborhood businesses, promote economic development, and lead to the creation of goodpaying jobs.”

For a description of each project, click here.