Congressman Stephen F. Lynch today announced that the Town of Walpole will receive $400,000 in federal funding to expand and upgrade Walpole's playing fields. The funds are included in the final Transportation Appropriations bill, which has been approved by Congress for Fiscal Year 2006.

 

Last spring, Walpole officials approached Congressman Lynch about the need for additional field space and for improvements to existing fields.  Following their meeting, Lynch submitted the appropriation request to federal appropriators, and lobbied Democratic and Republican Congressional leaders to secure the funding.

 

The $400,000 for Walpole is included in the Transportation Appropriations Act, which was signed into law by President Bush last week.   The funding will enable Walpole to install a new synthetic playing surface on the high school field and to target other athletic field renovation projects in town.

 

Congressman Lynch said, "This has been in the works for a while -- I apologize that it took so long.  Sometimes the wheels of government are a little slow but perhaps we can plan over the winter and get some of this work done next spring.”

 

"Walpole has a long and storied history of fielding championship teams.  That success is due in no small part to parent involvement and the commitment of coaches to good sportsmanship, and the town’s support for youth programs and community pride from a very young age.   In many ways, Walpole is a perfect reflection of what's best about America.”

 

Lynch continued, "I know that Michael Boynton, Joe LaVita and Walpole's Recreation Committee have led this effort for the last five years.  It's great to see that their hard work has gotten the recognition it deserves.”

 

Walpole Town Administrator Michael Boynton said, "This amount of money will greatly help the Town of Walpole in addressing its continued need for enhanced and increased athletic field space in town.  This appropriation is just another example of the incredible dedication and support Congressman Lynch gives to the communities in his district.  We’re very thankful for his advocacy on this funding.”

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