North Shore Projects Ticketed For $12.1 Million In Federal Earmark Spending

SALEM, MA — The initial markup of federal appropriations legislation for 2027 includes more than $12.1 million for 16 community improvement projects across the North Shore and Merrimack Valley.

The projects cover transportation and water infrastructure, education and libraries, community health centers, and climate resiliency, according to U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton's (D-MA) office.

Under House Appropriations Committee guidelines, each representative may request funding for a limited number of district projects, and those projects must fit within specific eligible accounts.

Moulton said the projects he selected this year are intended to address local needs ranging from roads and water systems to child care, technical training and coastal protection.

"Bringing more than $12 million back to our district for 16 projects will help address real needs in our communities from aging roads and water systems to better childcare, education, and technical training, to protecting our coastal cities and towns from climate change," said Congressman Moulton. "I appreciate our local leaders for working alongside us to identify critical needs and deliver for these communities. This funding will make a real difference in people's lives."

Among the projects listed are $500,000 for Washington Street improvements in Peabody, $850,000 for safety work at the Essex Street railroad crossing in Andover, and $1 million for Middlesex Community College to launch a Child Watch program on its Bedford campus.

North Shore Community College is slated for $1 million for a microelectronics and semiconductor training lab, while Lynn Public Library and Swampscott Public Library are each set to receive $850,000 for accessibility upgrades.

Salem's Witchcraft Heights Elementary School is included for $850,000 to replace rooftop HVAC units.

"Salem is committed to investing in all our school buildings to ensure they are safe, healthy, and functioning to further our students' education," Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo said. "This funding would help us carry out an essential replacement project for the systems at Witchcraft Heights Elementary School, our largest elementary school in the district."

Other projects include $500,000 for Beverly's North Beverly Fire Station, $746,868 for a Bedford sewer pump station upgrade, $746,868 for flood protection at Newburyport's wastewater treatment plant, and $746,868 for North Andover water treatment plant upgrades. Ipswich is listed for $950,000 for storm-related infrastructure repairs, while Great Marsh restoration and the UMass Amherst Gloucester Marine Station would each receive $772,700.

Moulton said he also included language in the Energy and Water Appropriations bill directing the Army Corps of Engineers to use its budget to finish dredging the Essex River, which began last year but was not completed.