ICYMI: Senator Markey Discusses Flood Mitigation and Economic Development Efforts with Lawmakers, Community Organizations in the Berkshires

Left: Senator Markey presenting the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art with a certificate of Congressional Recognition on their 25^th anniversary

Right: Senator Markey with A.J. Enchill, President and Executive Director of the Berkshire Black Economic Council, Destiny Saunders, co-founder of Dolc'e Rose Beauty Supply, and Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti

Boston (October 4, 2024) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) was in the Berkshires this week to meet with local leaders, workers, and community organizations to discuss economic development initiatives, flood mitigation and infrastructure improvements, and expanding resources for small businesses.

In North Adams, Senator Markey celebrated the 25^th anniversary of the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA), which sees over 300,000 visitors each year from around the world. The museum, a converted factory complex, showcases all types of art and is a hub for both local and international artists.

Later in North Adams, Senator Markey joined Mayor Jennifer Macksey for a briefing on the Hoosic River Flood Mitigation Study, a project that aims to evaluate potential flood risk reduction measures and support development of a new flood mitigation system built with 21^st-century engineering standards. The project affords flood protection to roughly 85 percent of North Adams' industrial and commercial firms and about 25 percent of the residential property. Senator Markey, Mayor Macksey, city staff, and local advocates viewed existing damage to flood control infrastructure at three sites. Senator Markey led the effort to get the study included in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), advocated for $750,000 in funding for the Army Corps of Engineers this year, and has secured $950,000 in the pending appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25).

"When Mayor Macksey called earlier this year to let us know more support was needed from the federal government to continue the study, I went to work with my colleagues Congressman Neal and Senator Warren to advocate directly to the Army Corps of Engineers and ensure the necessary funds were allocated within the Corps Fiscal Year 2024 budget," said Senator Markey. "This is the type of partnership that we need between local and federal government to mitigate the future impacts of our modern-day climate challenges. I applaud Mayor Macksey, all of the local officials, Senator Mark, Representative Barrett, and the dedicated advocates with the Hoosic River Revival who continue to keep this issue front and center."

In Pittsfield, Senator Markey met with Mayor Peter Marchetti, city staff, Downtown Pittsfield Inc, 1Berkshire, the Berkshire Black Economic Council, and the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission to discuss economic development in the city. Senator Markey and Mayor Marchetti visited small, local businesses in downtown Pittsfield to assess progress that has been made.

"Over the past three years, we have brought $6 million in Congressionally-directed spending back to Pittsfield from the federal government. That is money that has gone toward economic development by investing in the Berkshire Black Economic Council's business incubator, childcare through the YMCA, and so much more," said Senator Markey. "We will continue to work with Mayor Marchetti, Senator Mark, Rep. Farley-Bouvier, and all our local partners to continue delivering results."

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