MASSACHUSETTS DELEGATION ANNOUNCES $8 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT TO MASSACHUSETTS FOR MARATHON BOMBING VICTIMS

Washington, DC – The Massachusetts Delegation today announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded Massachusetts an Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program for Crime Victim grant for $8,355,648 to cover expenses as a result of the Boston Marathon bombing on April 15, 2013. Following the tragedy, the delegation pledged full support from the federal government and encouraged the Administration to assist in Massachusetts’ recovery.

 “After the terrorist attack at last year’s Boston Marathon, many local organizations provided critical support to those affected by the tragedy, demonstrating the Commonwealth’s strength, spirit, and resilience,”said Senator Warren. “I’m pleased and grateful that the DOJ has awarded this major federal grant to Massachusetts to support our agencies’ work, and to ensure that those affected by the attack have the resources they need as they continue to recover.”

"Tragedy became triumph of the human spirit in the actions of responders to the horrific attack at the Boston Marathon last year,” said Senator Markey. “But sometimes, even our bravest heroes need help. Thanks to this important funding from DOJ, the courageous and committed organizations who ran toward those who were hurt will continue to help victims, families and loved ones receive they help and healing they need and deserve."

"The people of Massachusetts are strong, proud and resilient. Since Patriots Day, the bombs that were meant to terrorize a community have only brought us closer together. No senseless act of cowardice and evil will ever stop us from being who we are. From the Berkshires to Boylston Street, those who call the Commonwealth home know how to overcome adversity. Today's significant grant from DOJ will allow us to continue the process of recovery, and help make the 2014 Boston Marathon the biggest and best yet," said Congressman Neal. 

“In the aftermath of the Marathon bombing, the entire world saw the very best of Massachusetts,” Congressman McGovern said.  “I’m pleased that the DOJ has provided this funding to demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to helping our communities to heal.”

“I join with my Massachusetts colleagues in voicing strong support for this $8.3 million Department of Justice grant that will reimburse those organizations that acted swiftly and compassionately to help the victims of last year’s Boston Marathon bombing,” said Congressman Tierney.

“In the aftermath of the attack the outpouring of support from the community was inspiring,” said Congressman Capuano. “I applaud the DOJ for providing this funding to continue and strengthen the long process of healing after this terrible tragedy.”

“Boston is a close-knit community. All of us know someone who was directly or indirectly affected by the Boston Marathon Bombing,” said Congressman Lynch. “I am pleased to hear that the Department of Justice has awarded this grant to the Commonwealth. It will go a long way to ensuring that the victims, families of the victims, witnesses and first responders receive the help that they need as they continue to recover and heal from the tragedy of that day. We need to continue to make sure that all those affected by the bombings receive the assistance and services that they require.”

“On April 15th, and in the days, weeks and months after, organizations from across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and nearby states joined in the efforts to support the thousands of people impacted by this tragedy,” Congresswoman Tsongas said. “Their actions were nothing short of heroic and this funding represents a gesture of appreciation from a grateful nation.” 

"The lives of so many were changed by the Marathon bombings, and today's grant is only a small token of appreciation for those who continue to work around the clock to help survivors and their families work through the emotional and physical trauma of that day," said Congressman Keating. "With the long road ahead, every bit of assistance is crucial, and I am confident that our delegation will remain committed to keeping our communities, and particularly those impacted by last year's attack, healthy, safe, and most of all- Boston strong."

“Following the tragedy of the Boston Marathon bombing, many organizations and individuals immediately stood up and offered their services to help the victims of the bombing in whatever way possible,” said Congressman Kennedy. “Whether through providing medical treatment, legal counsel or other assistance, this grant will ensure that those organizations are supported and can continue their efforts to aid those affected by the bombings. I am impressed and inspired by the work of these organizations and congratulate them on receiving these funds.”

“The bravery and acts of kindness that took place after the tragedy in Boston reminded us that heroism is fundamentally American, and that Boston is unbreakably strong,” said Congresswoman Clark. “I deeply appreciate the administration’s support of the local organizations and agencies that came to the aid of the victims, families and first responders of that tragic day.”

The Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance will use the grant to reimburse organizations and agencies that provided “crisis response and consequence management services to support the impact of the incident on the victims, witnesses, and first responders involved in the tragedy.”

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