Press from Rep. Garrett Bradley

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Rep. Bradley, Sen. Hedlund Announce Jobs Grant and Groundbreaking of Hingham Industrial Park Project

HINGHAM– May 20, 2010 – Rep. Garrett J. Bradley, D-Hingham, and Sen. Robert L. Hedlund, R-Weymouth, joined Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki and other state and local leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of a construction project in Hingham’s South Shore Industrial Park that will result in immediate and long-term job growth. This project, jump started by a a $750,000 Massachusetts Opportunity Relocation and Expansion (MORE) Jobs Capital grant, will create 55 new permanent jobs and over 125 construction jobs.

Representative Garrett Bradley said, “I applaud the Governor’s leadership to bring this job-creation project to fruition, and Secretary Bialecki’s collaborative efforts with the developer, South Shore Hospital, local and state officials. By revitalizing the industrial park, this project will bring new jobs and new revenue to the community at a time when both are needed. Without the Governor authorizing this $750,000 grant that Senator Hedlund and I asked for, this project would not be able to proceed.”

“This money represents a smart and efficient investment of tax dollars in a way that will create good-paying jobs, and sustainable economic growth,” Sen. Hedlund said. “For decades, South Shore Hospital has been a local economic engine, as well as a first-rate medical facility, and this new medical center will help it remain a strong and vibrant partner in our community.”

The $750,000 Massachusetts Opportunity Relocation and Expansion (MORE) Jobs Capital grant will support road improvements at the intersection of Derby Street and Pond Park Road that will improve safety and congestion, including road widening, sidewalk and traffic signal installations, as well as pedestrian improvements. This work will support the construction of 2 Pond Park Medical Center, an 80 thousand square foot facility, developed by AW Perry, which include a new South Shore Hospital Bone and Muscle Center as and a new medical office building for doctors from South Shore Hospital. These improvements will also support long term redevelopment opportunities in the Towns of Hingham and Weymouth.

This project is one of more than 50 housing and economic development projects, both renovation and new construction, expected to break ground this year, totaling more than $1 billion dollars in development investments in the Commonwealth. Each of these projects was jump started by an investment from the Patrick-Murray Administration and together they will create thousands of jobs throughout Massachusetts.

“Through this Grant, the Governor kick-starts the region’s recovery and lays the foundation for further job growth by eliminating a serious traffic hazard that has long plagued Hingham and Weymouth,” said Buzz Constable, Executive VP of AW Perry. “This development is truly Smart Growth, and a true collaboration that will create jobs in a location chosen by the community, with state infrastructure investment that helps a broad population.”

This investment is just one part of the Administration's multi-pronged strategy for growth through supporting small businesses; regional economic development; and strategic investments in education, infrastructure and innovation. Key to supporting this strategy is partnership with local communities and the private sector that fosters residential and commercial growth, and the successful leveraging of a number of state resources that spur that growth including:

• The Growth Districts Initiative - by working with communities to plan ahead for new growth and development that is consistent with their long-term community vision, regional needs and with the Commonwealth's sustainable development principles, the Administration is creating an entire network of places around the state where new growth is being welcomed and encouraged.

• The Chapter 43D Expedited Permitting - by working with communities to support prompt and predictable permitting for development that is consistent with community plans, dozens of communities have made a commitment to issue permits for commercial development in six months or less in order to helps facilitate targeted economic development that is consistent with their long-term plans.

• The Massachusetts Opportunity Relocation and Expansion (MORE) Jobs Capital program - by targeting public infrastructure investments and improvements needed to support private development activity and business expansion, cities and towns get the tools they need to spur economic development, job retention and expansion.

• The newly reformed Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) - by partnering with companies and municipalities focused on job creation, manufacturing job retention and private investment, the Administration is working to stimulate business growth throughout the Commonwealth.

• Through a wide array of state and federal programs administered by the state Department of Housing and Community Development, the Commonwealth can provide direct financial assistance, where appropriate, to residential and commercial development projects through low-cost financing, tax credits and other forms of financial support.

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