MALDEN, MA – Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) announced that she has secured more than $12 million for 15 local community projects across Massachusetts’ Fifth district. These projects were selected in collaboration with state and local leaders.
“These projects will touch so many lives across our Commonwealth,” said Whip Clark. “I am proud to bring home critical investments that will construct welcoming and safe community gathering spaces, build affordable and accessible housing for seniors, advance our march toward a climate resilient future, strengthen our infrastructure, and so much more. Thank you to the state and local leaders who partnered with me to identify these priorities. Together, we are building a future more worthy of our children.”
The MA-5 community funding projects secured include:
Framingham Community Center, City of Framingham: $3,150,000
This funding will be used to renovate Marian High School in order to provide the community with a critically needed community center.
“I want to thank Congresswoman Katherine Clark for her steadfast leadership and commitment to the City of Framingham in securing $3.15 million in federal funding for our future community center at the former Marian High School,” said City of Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky. “When completed this project will serve residents of all ages and abilities, and this funding brings us a significant step closer to making it a reality. I am also grateful to the rest of the Massachusetts federal delegation for their collective efforts in supporting the City of Framingham. The City plans to use this funding to address critical infrastructure needs, including HVAC improvements and ADA accessibility upgrades, ensuring the community center is welcoming, modern, and accessible to all.”
Mystic River Watershed Infrastructure Project, Town of Arlington: $1,092,000
This funding will be used to build small-scale, cost-effective installations that distribute the benefits of stormwater management regionally.
"This earmark is a critical investment in the future of the Mystic River. We are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Clark for her tireless advocacy in securing these EPA STAG funds,” said Mystic River Watershed Association Executive Director Patrick Herron. “By scaling up green infrastructure and collective action across our watershed communities, we aren’t just filtering out pollutants; we are building a more resilient, climate-ready landscape that ensures a cleaner, safer river for the hundreds of thousands of residents who call this watershed home."
Horn Pond Water Treatment PFAS Mitigation, City of Woburn: $1,092,000
This funding will establish a PFAS treatment plant in Woburn to address contamination in the drinking water supply, ensuring regulatory compliance and public health safety.
“Providing high quality drinking water is a top priority for Woburn,” said Mayor Michael Concannon. “The FY26 funding secured by Congresswoman Clark, is instrumental to complete our upgraded PFAS removal treatment system currently underway at Horn Pond. We’re grateful for the partnership on this essential infrastructure project.”
Stoneham High School Wetlands Restoration Project, Town of Stoneham $850,000
This funding will be used to develop a healthy, resilient wetland area that will help mitigate local flooding while benefiting downstream resource areas like Doleful Pond, which contribute to the broader Mystic River Watershed.
“This is an exciting and meaningful investment in Stoneham’s future,” said Stoneham Town Administrator Dennis Sheehan. “We are deeply grateful to Representative Clark, her staff, and our federal partners for securing this earmark, which enables us to advance a multi-year planning initiative to strengthen infrastructure, expand the trail network, and enhance the natural environment surrounding Stoneham High School and the broader community. The funding will create new educational opportunities for students, expand accessible trails for residents and visitors, and deliver lasting benefits to the Stoneham community for generations."
Melrose Stormwater Management, City of Melrose: $852,500
This funding will be used to create rain gardens and bioretention swales to manage flooding and improve water quality in the city.
Melrose Public Address Upgrades, City of Melrose: $250,000
This funding will be used to replace outdated and unreliable public address and bell systems in Melrose elementary and middle schools.
“Melrose thanks Whip Clark for her continued advocacy and representation in delivering key funding for local climate change mitigation, economic development, and school safety priorities,” said Mayor Jen Grigoraitis. “The Memorial Hall parking lot redesign will mitigate stormwater flooding and ensure continued access to our local small businesses, medical care, and downtown grocery store, especially for our low-income, elderly, and limited-mobility residents. The Melrose Public Schools public address system upgrades in our school buildings will safeguard reliable communications and community safety for our students, staff, and first responders.”
Lexington Tree Canopy, City of Lexington: $1,000,000
This funding will be used to create cooler landscapes that protect Lexington residents from worsening extreme heat.
"Securing this $1 million investment is a transformative win for our regional environment. By expanding our urban canopy, we aren't just planting trees; we are building essential 'green infrastructure' that will mitigate heat and improve air quality for decades to come." said Lexington Town Engineer John Livsey. "We are deeply grateful for Congresswoman Clark’s leadership in recognizing that a healthy, resilient forest is foundational to the quality of life in our community."
Malden Roofs, City of Malden: $850,000
This funding will be used to replace facility roofs and address urgent water leakage issues at Malden Public Schools.
“For the past several years, we’ve faced significant challenges in finding the resources needed to address critical repairs to our school roofs. Thanks to Congresswoman Katherine Clark’s advocacy, that challenge is now being met. Her leadership in securing a federal earmark of $850,000 will go a long way toward preserving the integrity of our school buildings. It is an investment that reinforces our shared commitment to providing a safe and secure learning environment for our students,” said Malden Mayor Gary Christenson.
Charles River Tree Project, Town of Wellesley: $500,000
This funding will be used to increase urban tree canopy, improve stormwater management using green infrastructure, and protect and restore the ecological health of local open spaces.
“We're so grateful to Congresswoman Clark for securing this funding to help cities and towns work together to build climate resilience. Climate change doesn't respect political boundaries so a collaborative approach is critical to finding efficient, effective solutions with regional benefits,” said Charles River Watershed Association Climate Resilience Director Julie Wood.
Anderson Regional Transit Center Pedestrian Bridge Preliminary Design, City of Woburn: $500,000
This funding will be used to develop the preliminary design of a pedestrian bridge.
Watertown Walkability Downtown Project, City of Watertown: $500,000
This funding will be used to redesign the Watertown road network and expand open, public spaces.
Natick PFAS, Town of Natick: $1,036,000
This funding will support the construction of a water booster pump station, providing a supplementary source of safe drinking water for Natick residents.
“We are excited to receive this grant and greatly appreciate the continued support of Congresswoman Clark and the CPF program for making this possible. This grant will help support the development of a PFAS-compliant supplemental water source through the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) by offsetting a significant portion of the project’s costs. Access to safe water is a critical service for any thriving community. This grant supports continued supply of safe drinking water for Natick’s nearly 40,000 residents, significant business community, and the US Army’s Natick Soldier Systems Center,” said Natick Public Works and Facilities Director William Spratt.
Medford Resilient Community Center, City of Medford: $250,000
This funding will be used to build a larger, more climate resilient community center for the Willis Avenue Housing Development and the surrounding community, providing ongoing social services and a location for help during emergencies.
Winthrop Recreation Center, Town of Winthrop: $250,000
This funding will be used to redevelop the Mike Eruzione ice rink and lead to the creation of accessible housing units for seniors.
Revere Boatyard Remediation Project, City of Revere: $250,000
This funding will help create a multipurpose riverfront recreational area and create a 291-unit mixed-use development.
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