Congressman Stephen F. Lynch today announced that the full U.S. House of Representatives has approved $780,00 for the creation of a Walking Path along the Neponset River in Norwood.  The funding was included in this year’s reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act:  A Legacy for Users (TEA-LU), legislation that identifies the transportation priorities for the United States for the next six years.  The federal funding package is expected to be approved by the Senate and signed into law by President Bush later this year.

"This is good news for the families of Norwood,” said Congressman Stephen F. Lynch.  "This federal funding will open up 90 acres of beautiful land to bicyclists, hikers, nature lovers and children.  And it will provide increased access for recreational boaters to the Neponset River.”

Earlier this year, Congressman Lynch asked each of the cities and towns in his district to identify projects that could be funded in part through the federal transportation bill.  The Norwood Board of Selectmen asked Lynch to help the town secure funding for the Vanderbilt Avenue Walking Path, and he approached Republican and Democratic leaders on the House Transportation Committee.  Congressman Lynch was notified this week that the funding would be included in the final House version of the bill, and it was overwhelmingly approved by the House of Representatives.

Lynch added, "This federal investment in the Town of Norwood will create jobs and it will alleviate the burden on local taxpayers.   I am working with Senators Kennedy and Kerry to ensure that this funding will be approved by the U.S. Senate, and that it will be delivered to the people of Norwood.”

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