Barrett: No more state 250th cash coming to Acton this year
“The money is still needed, but time is of the essence.”
There’s no more state money coming this year to Acton for the 2025 celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, said state Sen. Michael Barrett.
Chair Gary Clayton of the town’s Concord250 Executive Committee recently said he was hoping for a “Hail Mary” from the Legislature. House lawmakers made a second attempt in October (after a similar push failed in July) to send cash to the battle road towns of Acton, Arlington, Lexington, and Lincoln.
House lawmakers included a $325,000 earmark that would have included cash for Acton in a $730 million supplemental budget. The Senate declined to include that funding in its version, dashing hopes for more money for planning and operating costs associated with next April’s celebrations.
State Rep. Simon Cataldo (D-Acton) said he’s “committed” to keep trying.
“The money is still needed, but time is of the essence,” Cataldo told The Acton Bridge. “The sooner Acton has certainty about the amount of help it will get from the state for the 250th, the better off we’ll all be for this momentous celebration.”
The Legislature probably won’t see another fiscal bill until it starts its new session in January. Barrett said he’d pursue the 250th funds then.
Massport movement?
However, Barrett (D-Lexington), who withdrew his Senate amendment seeking 250th funds, said there’s a reason to celebrate on another front: opposition to the Hanscom Field hangar expansion project.
Barrett, who chairs a legislative committee dealing with energy and serves as vice chair of another on climate change, struck a deal last month with House lawmakers on a major climate bill. It includes a provision to rewrite the charter governing the Massachusetts Port Authority “so that economic prosperity and climate awareness and fairness to adjoining communities are all on a par with each other,” he said.
The bill approved by senators last month would direct Massport, which operates Hanscom Field, to consider environmental justice and greenhouse gas emissions alongside economic growth and safety. The bill still needs House approval and the governor’s signature.
— Dakota Antelman contributed reporting.
