MAJOR GRANT & AWARD FOR WATERWAYS VITALITY PROJECT

The Lowell Heritage Partnership’s Waterways Vitality Initiative surged forward this month with several milestone achievements. The initiative’s recent successes include receipt of a $100,000 grant from the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation of Boston; a MassINC Innovation Award to be presented on November 15th at the Wood Mill in Lawrence, Mass.; and last week’s receipt of 230 LED lighting fixtures, which will illuminate the Cox (Bridge Street) Bridge in Spring 2018.

“The Lowell Heritage Partnership is grateful for the recognition and funding to implement this exciting plan for activating our city’s historic waterways,” stated James Ostis, LHP president. “Both the Parker Foundation grant and private donations of more than $500,000 will allow the Waterways Vitality Initiative to hire a project director and complete the installation of dramatic lighting on the Cox Bridge respectively. These efforts build upon the great support the project has already received from the City of Lowell and our other partners.”

More detail will be provided shortly on the bridge lighting program that local contractors and generous donors have made possible. Complex permitting for the bridge project was greatly assisted by the Office of the City Manager, working with MassDOT, the agency that administers work and maintenance of state owned bridges. Additionally, the LHP wants to credit the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, coordinator for the bridge lighting project and the fiscal agent for the LHP lighting program.

Mayor Edward Kennedy said: “For the outstanding progress to date, on behalf of the City Council I commend the Partnership and its collaborators, including the City Administration and Lowell National Historical Park for the progress to date. There is great unity and support for this program. We see it as a vital contributor to improving Lowell’s quality of life and in enhancing economic and cultural opportunities for our residents and the region as a whole.”

MassINC, which champions Gateway Cities and their success, on November 15, 2017, is awarding one of eight annual initiative awards to the Lowell Waterways Vitality Initiative as part of its annual summit and awards luncheon. They are also honoring Congresswoman Niki Tsongas for her work on behalf of Gateway Cities in Massachusetts.