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Massachusetts House Passes $45M Broadband, Capital Bond Bill

This is a picture of the inside of the Massachusetts State House
Jim Levulis
/
WAMC

State lawmakers from Berkshire County are optimistic about expanding broadband internet in the region after the Massachusetts House passed a $45 million broadband and capital bond bill. 

During a recent visit to the Berkshires, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito said the remaining eight communities in need of broadband will be on a determined path by the end of the year.

Berkshire County’s state delegation says the bill moving through the legislature will certainly help.

The legislation also includes $6 million to replace the Columbus Avenue parking garage and $10 million to renovate the Central Berkshire District Court house in Pittsfield. Democratic State Representative Tricia-Farley Bouiver says the state’s partnership is critical.

“This is our tax dollars, right?” Farley-Bouvier says. “Everyone in Pittsfield pays tax dollars too, and so we need the state to come in and be partners with us. This project is too big for Pittsfield to take on by itself.”

Funds are also planned for Dalton Town Hall, the Berkshire County House of Correction, the Lee State Police barracks, and low-income housing in Lenox.

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