F.R., Attleboro projects on Mass. list

BOSTON – Highway improvements in Attleboro and Fall River are on a list of 33 priority projects across the state that Gov. Deval L. Patrick hopes to fund through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
The 33 projects have an estimated cost of more than $165.6 million, which Patrick hopes to cover from ARRA’s second round of highway investment.
“Communities across the commonwealth will benefit from these projects that will create jobs and improve our transportation infrastructure,” Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray said in a news release. “We look forward to getting shovels in the ground as quickly as possible.”
If approved, work in Fall River on Rte. 24, over Bedford St., would receive $3.6 million. The Attleboro project involves $2.8 million for phase II reconstruction of Rte. 152.
The projects will now be reviewed for final approval by the state’s 13 regional Metropolitan Planning Organizations. Once approved, they will complete the Patrick administration’s investment of the $437.9 million in ARRA highway funds. •