Local aid up, area projects supported

Jul 19, 2022

Tri-Town communities will see an increase in local aid as part of the $52.7 billion budget for fiscal year 2023 approved July 18 by the House and Senate, according to information provided by State Rep. William Straus, D-Mattapoisett.

Mattapoisett will receive $469,494; Marion will get $261,376; and Rochester will be allotted $492,000.

 Chapter 70 funding, which is used for educational spending, includes $980,381 for Mattapoisett; $1,041,767 for Marion; $2,384,342 for Rochester; $3,384,440 for Old Rochester Regional High School and $3,683,230 for Old Colony.

The budget also includes $50,000 to Rochester for a planning and feasibility study related to a new public safety building, $25,000 to Marion for improvements benefiting the Council on Aging at the Cushing Community Center; and $50,000 to Mattapoisett for safety upgrades to the town highway building.   

“The annual budget is one of the primary avenues to direct state money to district needs,” said Rep. Straus. “I am extremely pleased that I was able to secure these much needed additional dollars to assist so many worthwhile local projects and organizations.”    

 The budget now moves on to Governor Charlie Baker for his review and approval.