South Shore to get $1.5 million for infastructure, nonprofits, police officer wellness

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QUINCY – Funding for local police departments, nonprofits and food pantries are just some of the benefits for the South Shore included in a wide-ranging $3.76 billion relief package recently signed by Gov. Charlie Baker.

The money aims to provide targeted energy assistance, support ongoing transportation needs and invest in the state’s small businesses, health care system, affordable housing, and efforts to fight climate change.

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A large portion of the money comes from the American Rescue Plan Act, a federal financial stimulus given to states for COVID-19 pandemic relief. The budget surplus during fiscal 2022 will also fund some of the projects. An additional $3 billion is part of a one-time tax relief that will be returned to an estimated three million taxpayers over the coming weeks.

“At a time when the cost of living has soared across the nation, I am proud that the Massachusetts Legislature was able to deliver one-time tax relief to residents and make investments in our towns, organizations, businesses, and people,” state Sen. Patrick O’Connor, of Weymouth, said.

In addition to statewide investments, O’Connor helped secure $1.5 million in direct funding for the South Shore.

Weymouth/Rockland Food Pantry staff member Steve Manupelli,  on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, sorts food collected by United States Postal Service letter carriers in Weymouth.
Weymouth/Rockland Food Pantry staff member Steve Manupelli, on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, sorts food collected by United States Postal Service letter carriers in Weymouth.

The money includes $500,000 for road and infrastructure improvements in Weymouth; $175,000 to be split evenly between food pantries in Cohasset, Duxbury, Hingham, Marshfield, Norwell, Scituate and Wellspring Multi-Service Center in Hull; $175,000 to be split evenly between senior centers in Cohasset, Duxbury, Hingham, Hull, Marshfield, Norwell and Scituate; and $100,000 for police departments in Weymouth, Marshfield and Hingham.

“This funding will help, and the best way to do it is to allow the people on the front lines to determine how to best spend the money,” O’Connor said. “We know there’s a definite need.”

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O'Connor said he has spoken to several police chiefs about using the money for mental health supports for first responders who respond to critical incidents that can have a lasting impact.

"These incidents can take a toll, and having an extra $100,000 for wellness for officers can go a long way," he said.

Quincy police officers stand at attention as they honor their late comrade, Alfred Hollis, during the dedication of a headstone at St. Mary's Cemetery in Quincy on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. Hollis was killed in the line of duty in 1927.
Quincy police officers stand at attention as they honor their late comrade, Alfred Hollis, during the dedication of a headstone at St. Mary's Cemetery in Quincy on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. Hollis was killed in the line of duty in 1927.

Several South Shore nonprofits will also receive funding, including $100,000 for Maddie’s Promise, a nonprofit supporting closing the funding gap for rare pediatric cancer; $75,000 to the Friendship Home in Norwell; $75,000 to for the Norwell Grange; $50,000 for Neighborworks in Marshfield; $25,000 to the American Legion 223 in Duxbury; and $25,000 for Friends of Hull Scouting.

Some of the statewide initiatives include $350 million for hospitals that were fiscally strained by the pandemic; $225 million for rate increases for human service workers and providers; $250 million to accelerate and support clean energy initiatives; and $304.5 million to support and boost housing production.

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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: South Shore to get $1.5 million from statewide relief package