Boston (March 8, 2024) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) today announced their successful efforts to secure more than $6million in federal funding for energy and water resources, housing and urban development, and science supporting fourcommunity-based projects in New Bedford.

“South coast leaders are dedicated to making the region a healthier, cleaner, safer, and more just place to live. I am proud to work with Senator Warren to bring important investments directly to our communities and local initiatives to further critical goals,” said Senator Markey. “These investments in early education, coastal resiliency, port infrastructure, and social services will make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents.”

"I am delighted to have helped secure $6 million in federal funding with Senator Markey for vital community projects in New Bedford. We’re going to put our children and families first by investing in a state-of-the-art community center for early education, and a new learning program in New Bedford's Whaling Museum that will center on science and technology. These investments are critical towards fostering resilience, education, and sustainability and ensuring a bright future for our communities in New Bedford,” said Senator Warren.

New Bedford is home to fourprojects that have received funding in the FY24 funding package, including:

·$3,500,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete necessary repairs and improvements to the hurricane barrier that protects New Bedford and Fairhaven.

·  $2,000,000 for NorthStar Learning Centers to support the ongoing construction of a state-of-the-art early education & community center built on an abandoned lot in New Bedford’s South End. This center will consolidate two early education sites into one, improve operational efficiencies, reduce blight, and expand NorthStar’s enrollment.

·$500,000 for the New Bedford Whaling Museum (NBWM) to create a new learning program centered on geography and environment that allows for enhanced instruction and training through Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math and to build on NBWM’s strength in marine mammal, climate and environmentally-based instruction for students K-12. 

·$500,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete a plan for managing dredged material in New Bedford and Fairhaven harbors. 

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