By Paul Tuthill
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-999864.mp3
Springfield, MA – Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and key members of his administration, were briefed Friday on a plan to rebuild the tornado devastated areas of Springfield. WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.
Governor Patrick and members of his cabinet assembled in a classroom in an elementary school that was in the path of the June 1st tornadoes to receive a private briefing on the comprehensive tornado rebuilding plan, which is to be made public at the end of the month. Speaking with reporters later, the governor again pledged the state's full support for the tornado recovery work.
The plan was crafted by a non-profit development group, working in cooperation with Springfield city officials, and an advisory committee appointed by the mayor. The Rebuild Springfield Committee, has held a series of well attended public meetings to gather suggestions and has worked with a consulting firm that previously came up with plans to rebuild New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.
The rebuilding plan is expected to recommend many projects. Governor Patrick was cautious when asked if the state will help pay for the projects
Administration officials note the state has already allocated millions for tornado recovery work in Springfield and the other communities hit by the storms last June 1st. One point two million dollars recently was awarded for infrastructure work in Springfield's South End, one of the neighborhoods hit hard by the tornado.
Massachusetts Lt Governor Timothy Murray said there is a lot of momentum in Springfield.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said the city has had great working relationship with the Patrick administration as the city works to bounce back not only from the tornadoes, but from many years of economic decline.
Sarno pointed to the announcement earlier this week that a company which provides call center services for the hospitality industry was going to bring 500 jobs to downtown Springfield.