MALDEN, MA – Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined state and local leaders to celebrate more than $4 million in federal investments that she secured for accessibility and climate resilience projects across MA-5.

In Arlington, she met with Town Manager Jim Feeney, Director of Planning and Community Development Claire Ricker, and other local leaders to highlight funding that will help construct a 1.7-mile shared-use path along the Mystic River and Lower Mystic Lake to improve safety and accessibility for MA-5 residents.  

Whip Clark later joined Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and Malden Mayor Gary Christenson to celebrate a federal investment that will help build a climate-resilient riverfront park in the Malden Department of Public Works yard. The new park will protect against rising sea levels and serve as a community gathering space. 
 
“A more accessible, inclusive, and climate-resilient future is well within our reach. And I’m privileged to have the opportunity to work with leaders on the local, state, and federal level to bring home transformative investments that will bring that future closer,” said Whip Clark. “Thanks to their steadfast service and collaboration, we are beating back against the chaos of this administration to make life in our Commonwealth better for working people.”

“I’m proud to have worked with Senator Warren, Congresswoman Clark, and Mayor Christenson to secure this funding for Malden to develop a public, climate-resilient park on the banks of the Malden River. Growing up, my mother warned me: ‘Eddie, whatever you do, don’t swim in the Malden River.’ Used as a dumping ground by chemical and coal companies, the polluted river was a textbook environmental injustice,” said Senator Markey. “Now, I can say proudly that kids in Malden today will have the opportunity to make use of a very different river than the one I avoided growing up. With this funding, we move from cleaning up the river into making it the community space it always should have been. We must continue our efforts here in Malden and in the push for just, accessible green space nationwide, regardless of your race, income, or zip code.”

“We are grateful that the Malden River Works project is nearing completion and that would not have been possible without the support of Senators Markey and Congresswoman Clark. The $3.8M they were able to secure has helped this climate resilient waterfront park become a reality," said Mayor Christenson.

“This ambitious project will provide the missing link and bring together the heavily utilized Minuteman Bikeway, a regional gem, and a network of highly popular multi-purpose greenways. The resulting network will have countless and wide-ranging benefits on area communities," said Arlington Town Manager Jim Feeney. "We wouldn’t be here today without the unwavering support of Congresswomen Katherine Clark and her team for securing funding to move this project from vision to a reality.” 
 
“With this important funding, we are able to move forward this project that prioritizes safety, comfort, and ADA accessibility for all users," said Arlington Director of Planning and Community Development Claire Ricker. "We look forward to continuing our partnership with the MyRWA, MassDOT, and community stakeholders to deliver a project that reflects the Town’s commitment to sustainability, accessibility, environmental resilience, and high-quality public spaces.”

To view photos of the events, click HERE. To view the second press conference, click HERE.

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