FRAMINGHAM, MA — Democratic Whip Katherine Clark recently secured nearly $11 million for for eight climate resiliency and environmental justice projects in Arlington, Cambridge, Framingham, Malden, Revere, Watertown, and Woburn.
In Framingham, $3 million of funding will help construct the first phase of the Chris Walsh Memorial Trail.
Before his untimely death in 2018, State Representative Chris Walsh worked for years to reunite the City of Framingham with Farm Pond.
"As an architect and historian who knew the historical significance of Farm Pond in the abolitionist and suffragist movements, he recognized the power of this natural resource to transform the quality of life for Framingham’s diverse residents," a news release said.
This project will use the Sudbury Aqueduct to connect Farm Pond and the Dudley Road recreational area, consisting of more than 100 acres of open space, to Downtown Framingham and its underserved population. It will also preserve the historic pump house seated on the Aqueduct.
The trail’s easternmost point will be at the edge of an MBTA commuter rail lot, making the trail accessible to other state residents via public transportation.
Clark previously secured $220,000 for the planning and development of this new trail in the FY22 federal budget.
“We are very appreciative of Congresswoman Clark’s support for important projects in Framingham, including the Chris Walsh Memorial Trail,” said Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky.
“The Chris Walsh trail will help connect Framingham’s downtown area with the Farm Pond/Dudley Road recreational area. The $3 million provided by Congresswoman Clark for this project will enable us to construct a substantial portion of the trail and enhance access to the many amenities in the vicinity of Farm Pond.”
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Original story HERE.