April 25, 2013 –Springfield, MA- Mayor Domenic J. Sarno announced today an increase of $467,400 in grant funding from MassDevelopment under the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund. Initially $32,600 was approved for a Brownfield Site Assessment Grant for 30 Frank B. Murray Street, the former vacant garage.
This grant represents an increase in funding for the assessment and remediation of environmental issues at the former parking garage site, which will be turned into surface parking and additional bus bays to support the Union Station Regional Intermodal Transportation Center; the funding for this part of the redevelopment now stands at $500,000. The grant is made possible from the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund administered by MassDevelopment.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “I am extremely grateful to MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones and the Patrick/Murray Administration for their continued support in moving this economically vital project forward. Brownfields money is highly sought after by many communities and is limited; so we appreciate the high priority MassDevelopment has placed on Union Station and its importance to the regional economy.”
"Today's announcement is another tangible example that the $45 million redevelopment of historic Union Station in downtown Springfield is moving forward. This grant from MassDevelopment will help the project reach another important milestone. The planned demolition is necessary to build new surface parking garage and bus bays. I have always believed turning Union Station into a 21st Century transportation center would be a great asset for the entire region. We are one step closer to that goal today," said Congressman Richard E. Neal.
“Easing access to and from Springfield will spur growth in both the City of Homes and the Pioneer Valley,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. “This contribution from the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund along with our redevelopment work at 1550 Main will help Springfield fully realize its potential as a regional jobs center.”
This increases the total funding for environmental assessment and remediation from MassDevelopment to $2,056,200 for both 30 and 55 Frank B. Murray Street in order to build the Union Station Regional Intermodal Transportation Center.