With hurricane season in full swing, Southeast Computer Solutions hopes its appeal to the charitable nature of south Florida businesses will help lessen the economic harm done by hurricanes every year. “The financial impact to small and mid-sized businesses after a hurricane is sobering,” says Ralph Ceccarelli, Vice President of Southeast Computer Solutions.

“Based on some estimates we have seen, up to 60 percent of businesses that experience downtime greater than 48 hours will be closed within three years. And what’s unfortunate is that kind of economic devastation to businesses can be prevented with relative ease.”

The IT consulting firm recommends having a disaster recovery plan for not only natural disasters like hurricanes but also fires, hardware failures, data theft and deliberate sabotage by disgruntled workers.

Ceccarelli says: “Because a ‘disaster’ can come in many forms, we always recommend a risk analysis to determine what areas pose the greatest risk. Based on identified risks, a business continuity plan can be created and preventative measures established to prevent, or minimize, potential damage.”

Southeast Computer Solutions plans to contribute all proceeds to United Way of Miami’s “Operation Prepare and Share” campaign, which notes on its Web site that 33 percent of south Floridians have no disaster plan. With only 339 donations made to date, Ceccarelli hopes his company can do its part to make “disasters” a little more manageable for all involved. Donations to Operation Prepare and Share can be made online at: www.unitedwaymiami.org .

About Southeast Computer Solutions:

Southeast Computer Solutions has been an IT consulting firm and Sage Authorized Reseller since 1985. Headquartered in Miami, Southeast has offices in Dallas and Buenos Aires. With over 600 installations across the United States and in Latin America, Southeast Computer Solutions is the largest Sage Reseller in Miami and was ranked 75 on the 2010 VAR 100 list. For more information about how to raise your company’s performance, please contact us at: www.southeastcomputers.com .

News Source: Southeast Computer Solutions :: This story was issued by Send2Press® and is Copyright © 2010 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

Using statistics drawn from the Foreclosure Deals database of foreclosure properties, the company revealed that bank repossessions, also known as REO properties, totaled 94,500 during July with a drop of less than 1 percent in the month of August, nearly matching the single-month record. Bank repossessions represent the final stage of the foreclosure process, but are still sold for discounts as bank owned homes. Notices of default, which mark a new foreclosure, were up 1 percent in July, but down over 28 percent from July of 2009.

The trend of increasing bank repossessions and fewer Notice of Default has been the case for several months, but experts are careful to point out that it does not signal that the foreclosure market is flagging.

“Foreclosure totals are up over 300,000 for the month of August, and that’s a huge number,” remarked James Foxx, a business analyst with Foreclosure Deals. “A lot of bank repos are occurring because they’re finally clearing out the huge log of properties that have been in foreclosure limbo due to moratoriums, loan negotiations and similar delays. Notices of default are down, but a lot of that has to do with foreclosure prevention programs. So we’re cutting down on new foreclosures, but there are still plenty of bank-owned homes out there, keeping the foreclosure inventory high.”

The top 5 states for foreclosure totals, California, Florida, Michigan, Illinois and Arizona, all saw foreclosures increase during August by at least 7 percent, except for California, which saw its totals decrease slightly by 3.1 percent. Illinois saw a staggering monthly increase of 33 percent mainly in Chicago.

The states with the highest rates of foreclosure however, Arizona, Florida and Nevada, all saw a dramatic decrease in foreclosures from August of 2009. Other states saw their foreclosure rate increase dramatically during the same time period, including Michigan, up 128 percent; Illinois, up 35 percent; Maryland, up 35 percent; and Georgia, up 13 percent.

“A lot of buyers are reporting great deals on bank repossessions,” notes Foxx. “Banks are looking to get rid of that surplus inventory, and prices have been very competitive.”

Foreclosure Deals is a leading source for detailed foreclosure listings, news and information for buyers and investors. For more information on foreclosures or to browse listings in your area, visit www.ForeclosureDeals.com .

News Source: Foreclosure Deals :: This story was issued by Send2Press® and is Copyright © 2010 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

Mark Maio, co-founder of RFQ Resources, explains, “During my years working with channel resellers, I found recurring pricing data needs that no one was meeting. There was tremendous demand for reliable and real-time pricing intelligence, but channel customers didn’t have time to contact every distributor and couldn’t risk revealing their product requirements to all players. RFQ Resources meets those pricing needs easily, affordably, and anonymously.”

RFQ Resources is endorsed by NASBA – The Association of Channel Resellers (www.nasba.com). NASBA Executive Director Frank Raimondi adds, “Today’s buyers have just-in-time requirements in a volatile market, and at the same time, limited visibility to spot market pricing. The process of researching the market can be a very time consuming and bring unwanted exposure. In line with NASBA’s goals of providing empowering services for resellers, RFQ Resources offers an innovative way for Resellers to quickly and anonymously collect spot market pricing from Mainstream Distributors to meet their procurement goals.”

The RFQ Resources process was designed for ease-of-use. Buyers anonymously post their specific requirements while sellers respond with equally specific anonymous bids. A secure site is provided for identity exchange to efficiently facilitate deal closure, while prospective buyers capture real-time street price data regardless of actual purchasing activity.

The current lineup of Distributors includes ASI Computer Technologies, Avnet Embedded, Americas, a division of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT), Computech, SED International, and Synnex. Channel Customers pay just $19.98 per month for unlimited access to post RFQs and obtain real-time street pricing for their product requirements. There are no other fees.

About RFQ Resources:

RFQ Resources (www.rfqresources.com) is a Web-based clearinghouse for B2B buyers and sellers of computer components to arbitrate spot-market pricing. It charges only a monthly membership and takes no active or monetary part in any transaction that is consummated.

In addition to its core service of price discovery, RFQ Resources hosts an active Channel Forum (www.channelforum.com).

News Source: RFQ Resources :: This story was issued by Send2Press® and is Copyright © 2010 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

In 2010, these readers voted again and Moonlite once again rose to the top and was selected for the best barbecue in Kentucky. Additionally, USA Today reported that Moonlite is, “One of the 10 best places to fill up your plate.”

Moonlite Bar-B-Q has also been featured in Gourmet Magazine, Southern Living, the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times and on the Food Channel.

“These successes have been such an honor and I am overwhelmed by our employees’ loyalty throughout the years,” says Patrick Bosley of Moonlite Bar-B-Q. “So, there’s simply no better way to celebrate these successes than to share them with our valued employees who have worked so diligently to keep the fires burning and the plates full.”

“It’s the people who make it all come together,” says Patrick. “Treat your customers and employees like friends and family, add a pinch of luck, mix ‘em together and get out of the way.”

Patrick Bosley is the youngest grandson of Pappy and Catherine Bosley, who built the Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn into a Kentucky Tradition from a 30-seat roadside stand to a 350-seat, award-winning, world-renowned dinner destination.

Meats are personally selected for quality and then placed in the restaurant’s custom-built, hickory-fired pits. Meat is cooked low and slow, giving it that distinctive, hickory flavor.

For those employees who cannot make the trip, Moonlite has a new Facebook page: facebook.com/MoonliteBarBQ . People can view photos, learn about the event and more.

To shop Moonlite’s online store, visit: www.moonlite.com .

News Source: Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn :: This story was issued by Send2Press® and is Copyright © 2010 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

This is exactly what the joint venture of World Food Association Organization S.A. Inc., World Food Ghana Ltd., (WFAO/WFG) and local partners and the Government are planning to do. February 1 the partners entered into a Joint Venture Agreement that will begin to shed some light on the lives of millions of workmen, struggling women and starving children.

Ford and WFAO/WFG are working around the clock to begin the project and infrastructure of their ten year project that encompasses 800,000 acre mega-farm that will produce sugar, corn and cassava. This project will promote food supplies for consumption and food supplies for energy.

“It is going to take a lot of work and dedication to see this project through,” said WFAO president Henry Oliver Ford. “We have a brilliant team of senior engineers in specific fields necessary to accomplish the project goals, including our very own Michael Ferguson, owner of WFAO.”

The farmers have very limited cash income and, as a result, they have traditionally been overlooked by corporations that believe they have little to offer to these poor people. This project along with other project projects proposed such as: social projects (housing, hospitals, and clinics), development projects (cement plants, asphalt plants, and brick manufacturing plants), and state revenue projects (oil refineries, petroleum plants, and saw mills), will bring in the necessary funds to create existence for the African people.

About World Food Association:

World Food Association Organization S.A. Inc. (WFAO) is incorporated in Florida, USA and parent company to World Food Ghana Ltd. (WFG), incorporated in Accra Ghana, Africa. For more information please contact us at 1-561-515-6015 in the USA or online at www.wfao.us .

News Source: World Food Association Organization S.A. Inc. :: This story was issued by Send2Press® and is Copyright © 2010 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

PETAP’s campus based and online schools and colleges directory offers information regarding hundreds of online and campus based schools. The A-Z directory page provides information about traditional campus based colleges and universities, campus based vocational schools, and campus based natural healing schools, and distance learning and online schools.

Certificate and degree program information is available through the online and traditional campus based schools and colleges directories. These directories provide information about the different certificate and degree options available.

PETAP LLC provides information regarding education partners, tuition assistance programs, accrediting organizations, career and academic services, and much more. Through the premier education channel PETAP.org, students can access information regarding a variety of available resources for gaining a higher education. Services can benefit prospective college students, business, and even communities.

To learn more about online schools and colleges visit www.PETAP.org .

About PETAP LLC:

Partners in Education and Tuition Assistance Programs (PETAP) furnishes complementary no obligation information pertaining to online and campus based schools and colleges, career assessment and counseling services, certificate and degree programs, education partners, and tuition assistance programs.

News Source: PETAP LLC :: This story was issued by Send2Press® and is Copyright © 2010 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

The $11.7 million Route 2 project in Orange is reconstructing and making safety improvements along 5 miles of Route 2, including rehabilitating and widening the Route 2 Bridge over Route 122. The project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The Patrick-Murray Administration’s MassDOT is widening the shoulder, extending the existing climbing lanes, and improving the acceleration and deceleration lanes and the alignments at various on/off ramps. In addition, the Route 2 Bridge over Route 122 will be widened and the superstructure replaced to accommodate the proposed widened climbing lane.

“The Route 2 projects are making lasting improvements to a vital corridor and are just some of the hundreds of infrastructure projects underway now to reverse the decades of neglect we inherited,” said Governor Patrick. “My Administration is focused on creating jobs, fostering economic development and strengthening public safety right here in Orange and in every community in the Commonwealth. That’s what governing for the long term is all about.”

“The Orange Route 2 safety improvements are precisely the type of highway project that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was intended to fund,” said Congressman John Olver. “This shovel ready project, championed by community members, has been sitting on the shelf for years awaiting funding. It will create jobs, build upon the Route 2 safety improvements that have already been completed, and dramatically increase the safety of travelers along this scenic route.”

“The six projects ongoing along Route 2 include investments not only from federal stimulus but also our statewide road and bridge repair program and Governor Patrick’s historic Accelerated Bridge Program,” said MassDOT Transportation Secretary Jeff Mullan. “We are completing hundreds of projects this year alone, representing a $1 billion investment in our future.”

The Route 2 project in Orange, scheduled for completion in 2012, is among six projects in MassDOT’s Route 2 Safety Improvement Initiative. For several years, MassDOT has partnered with the Route 2 Task force to implement improvements along the entire corridor, working from a regional perspective to reach consensus among the communities about how the corridor should look as a whole.

Other projects include:

•$2.5M reconstruction of Route 2 in Erving from River Road to Old Route 2.

•$1.5M construction of a new bridge carrying Route 2 over Lake Rohunta from Athol to Orange.

•$2.9M ARRA project for the resurfacing of Route 2 and other improvements in Erving, Gill, Orange, and Wendell.

•$5.3M reconstruction of two Route 2 bridges in Erving over Route 63 and the New England Central Railroad.

•The innovative $3.1M design/build ABP bridge replacement of Route 2 over Route 2A in Phillipston.

“I am thrilled that this money is being allocated to road and bridge projects along Route 2. This road is one of the main roads through my district and I travel it often. I am excited that this money will be used to improve infrastructure and increase the safety of travel along this route,” said Senator Stephen Brewer.

“Route 2 is vital to the prosperity of western Massachusetts and it is imperative that all levels of government work together to make it as safe as possible. I am pleased to be here today to highlight the progress we’ve made so far and to rededicate ourselves to the work that’s ongoing,” said Senator Stanley C. Rosenberg.

“Governor Patrick deserves the thanks of this entire region. After years of dragging along, he has moved Rt. 2 reconstruction ahead of schedule creating jobs, enhancing safety and making this area more attractive for business development. Governor Patrick’s leadership is helping our communities,” said Representative Christopher J. Donelan.

“I want to thank Congressman Olver and Governor Patrick for their advocacy and efforts in obtaining this funding for these important parts of the overall project. I am hopeful that protective fencing on the bridges can be included as part of this project for the safety of all motorists,” said Representative Anne M. Gobi.

“Route 2 is a major transportation link for western Massachusetts, and these improvements are a worthy investment that will enhance public safety, stimulate our economy, and provide better travel conditions for the public,” said Representative Stephen Kulik.

The statewide road and bridge program combined with the eight-year, $3 billion Accelerated Bridge Program and federal stimulus funds have more than doubled the Commonwealth’s investment in roads and bridges from $515 million in FY2007 to a projected $1.085 in FY2010.

The combined road and bridge construction program will support more than 10,000 jobs on 385 separate projects across the Commonwealth.

At the same time, MassDOT reduced the time from construction contract advertisement to construction start by more than 43 percent – a drop from 218 days in 2008 to 124 days in 2009. For ARRA projects, the timeline from construction contract advertisement to notice to proceed was reduced to 48 days, allowing MassDOT to put people to work on construction projects faster than ever before.

The road and bridge projects are a part of the more than $4 billion infrastructure investments being made as part of the Administration’s Massachusetts Works initiative to put nearly 20,000 people to work across the Commonwealth this construction season.

To learn more about Massachusetts Works, visit www.mass.gov/governor/massworks. For additional information on how the Patrick-Murray Administration’s agenda has led Massachusetts out of a global recession sooner and stronger than the rest of the nation, visit www.mass.gov/governor/agenda .

“This project is an excellent example of how infrastructure investment creates jobs, as well as a foundation for further private sector growth,” said Governor Patrick. “I thank Secretary Donovan and Congressman Olver for helping us secure funding for this project and so many projects like it across the Commonwealth. This is why Massachusetts is coming out of recession faster and stronger than the rest of the country, while remaining true to our values.”

“This kind of construction project will help put people back to work as we focus on Massachusetts’ economic recovery,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “We are excited about today’s groundbreaking and look forward to seeing this project support our seniors while also facilitating economic development, sustainability and growth for the region and the Commonwealth.”

“Typically, assisted living facilities are only an option for those with significant means. Only a very small handful of facilities in Massachusetts currently cater to seniors who have worked hard all their lives, but have little in the way of savings or other resources to afford assisted living. This new facility will allow seniors of various economic means to live in a community where they will receive the care and attention they deserve,” said Congressman John Olver.

“I am thrilled that this conversion will soon be underway, producing quality affordable homes for Gardner’s seniors. I applaud Congressman Olver and Governor Patrick for their support for this development,” said Secretary Donovan. “The plans for Heywood Wakefield are a great example of Recovery Act funding jumpstarting a stalled development. This development will improve quality of life for residents while promoting green construction and creating quality jobs at the same time.”

When completed, the Heywood Wakefield assisted living facility will join two adjacent sections of that mill complex already converted into 171 units of elderly housing and 175 units of mixed income apartments. All 78 units will be affordable to elders with incomes at or below 50% of the area median income. Eight units will be available to residents with incomes at or below 30%. The property will consist primarily of studio apartments, and the design incorporates extensive common space throughout the building including a library, dining room, wellness center, activities space, living room, and a country kitchen. Residents will receive assistance with daily activities and housekeeping.

“This is a win-win situation as this project will generate nearly 140 jobs and will provide our seniors a housing opportunity that’s affordable. Investments in projects like this are necessary to put our people back to work and to help our seniors. I am pleased to see the Patrick-Murray Administrations continued investment in jobs and economic opportunities throughout the Commonwealth,” said Senator Marc R. Pacheco, Chair of the Joint Committee on Federal Stimulus Oversight.

“This project is a perfect example of how we can revitalize existing structures through federal and local partnerships to provide new, affordable housing in the Commonwealth. The Heywood Wakefield 3 will provide safe and affordable housing to many seniors in need, engage our older population in a new community, and provide a place to call home,” said Representative Kevin G. Honan, Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing.

“I am so pleased to see the Heywood Wakefield Assisted Living Center project become a reality. The Greater Gardner community will soon have another wonderful resource for an underserved segment of the population. I look forward to working with Governor Patrick, Congressman Olver, Senator Flanagan, and all other interested parties as this project moves toward completion. I congratulate all who have worked so hard on this,” said Representative Robert L. Rice, Jr.

Over the past year, the Patrick-Murray Administration has distributed more than $59.6 million in tax credit assistance recovery funds from HUD along with $109.1 million in tax credit exchange recovery funds from the U.S. Treasury to revive 32 similar developments across the Commonwealth. These projects were stalled due to a lack of available equity in previously awarded federal low-income housing tax credits. They are now expected to generate more than 3,000 jobs and provide nearly 2,000 new housing units, 1,669 of which will be affordable for low- and moderate-income working families.

Since taking office, Governor Patrick’s top priority has been to create jobs and build a stronger economic foundation for the people of Massachusetts. Through fiscally responsible, targeted investments in the life sciences and clean energy sectors, along with the largest investment in the state’s public infrastructure in decades, the Patrick-Murray Administration is putting people back to work across the Commonwealth. As a result, Massachusetts is emerging from the recession faster and stronger than any other state in the nation.

July marked the sixth straight month of job gains in Massachusetts – with a total of almost 64,000 jobs added since December 2009. In April, the Commonwealth had the largest single monthly job gain in 17 years, adding 19,000 jobs to our economy. Last month, the private sector created 19,200 jobs, the greatest monthly private sector increase in 20 years. Additionally, CNBC recently ranked Massachusetts the fifth best state to do business in, a significant improvement from 15th in 2008 and eighth in 2009. It also marked the first time in the history of the rankings that Massachusetts has finished in the top five.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia reports that since the national recession began in December 2007, Massachusetts’ economy has performed better than 33 of the 50 states. In the last quarter of 2009, Massachusetts outperformed 48 other states. And, expressly citing the Governor’s successful management through the national fiscal crisis, all three national rating agencies – Standard & Poor’s, Fitch and Moody’s – have re-affirmed the state’s AA bond rating.

To learn more about the Governor’s plan to revive housing development projects across the Commonwealth, click here. To learn more about the Governor’s job creation and economic growth initiatives, visit www.ma.gov/governor/jobs.

Signed by Governor Patrick on August 6, the law also reduces recidivism by allowing non-violent offenders serving mandatory minimum sentences to receive supervision and training before being released back into the community and combats gun violence by adding illegal gun possession to the list of crimes prosecutors can use for pre-trial detention of suspects.

“The best way to break the cycle of recidivism is to make it possible for people to get a job,” said Governor Patrick. “This legislation brings our outdated criminal history database into the 21st century, ensures law enforcement agencies, employers and housing providers have access to accurate and complete records in appropriate circumstances, and helps people get back to work so they can support their families. I commend the Legislature for sending me this tough and smart anti-crime package.”

Recognizing the importance of implementing tough and smart anti-crime measures, Governor Patrick first filed CORI Reform on January 11, 2008. The comprehensive reform enhances employment and economic opportunities for citizens with criminal records and expands access to criminal record information for prospective employers and housing providers on an internet-based system holding the most accurate and relevant information. Felony convictions will be available for 10 years and misdemeanor convictions for five years, as long as there are no subsequent offenses. Murder and sex offense convictions remain in the system permanently. Pending cases that are continued without a finding (CWOF) will be available until disposed.

“Governor Patrick originally filed this comprehensive reform legislation to improve public safety and increase access to economic opportunities,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “By partnering with the Legislature, this administration passed a bill that will strengthen our neighborhoods by providing stronger safety measure on gun control while also increasing employment opportunities for those rehabilitated individuals transitioning back to the community.”

“This takes a responsible approach to targeted reforms that improve public safety and address the costly problems of recidivism and overcrowding,” Senate President Therese Murray said. “It also provides important new tools for employers to access the state’s criminal records system.”

“This legislation strikes a balance to reduce recidivism while remaining tough on violent offenders,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo. “This bill will provide new opportunities to those who have paid their debt to society while maintaining a strong focus on public safety.”

Currently, too many prisoners leave custody without supervision or programs to ease their re-entry into the community, contributing to high rates of recidivism. The law Governor Patrick signed today addresses sentencing reform by allowing some inmates imprisoned in Houses of Corrections for non-violent drug offenses parole eligibility after serving one half of their mandatory minimum sentence if no aggravating factors are found. As a condition of parole, the Parole Board may require enhanced supervision, including the use of a satellite tracking device. For the first time, the measure will give inmates serving sentences for non-violent drug offenses an opportunity to participate in the education and training, programs that reduce the likelihood they will re-offend following their release.

The new law also adds illegal firearms possession to the list of crimes a prosecutor may use to move for pre-trial detention of a suspect based on dangerousness and expands compensation funds to provide greater relief to crime victims.

“I am pleased we are able to celebrate the passing of CORI reform today in Worcester, where so many advocates have worked tirelessly to see this legislation become a reality,” said Senator Harriette L. Chandler.

“This reform is a common sense approach which balances public safety with an opportunity for a second chance for an ex-offender who is willing to contribute through gainful employment. These reforms will ensure the accuracy of records, leveling the playing field and opening doors to opportunity that had been closed,” said Public Safety Secretary Mary Beth Heffernan.

Barbara J. Dougan, Massachusetts project director of Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM) said, “FAMM and its members are gratified to see Massachusetts take this first step toward meaningful sentencing reform. Over the years the studies have amassed, showing that mandatory minimum sentences do not reduce either drug offenses or drug dependency and addiction. Instead, too often they result in nonviolent or low level offenders being punished with the same lengthy sentences intended for drug kingpins. The Legislature showed courage in its willingness to acknowledge that when laws do not work as intended, change is needed. And today, by signing the bill into law, Governor Patrick continues his strong leadership on this issue. This is part of a nationwide trend, as at least 15 other states have reformed their drug sentencing laws in recent years.”

“Community organizations and unions worked tirelessly for this legislation because it will lessen crime in our communities and also give ex-offenders a fair chance to get jobs when they’ve shown they have rehabilitated themselves,” said Lewis Finfer, Director of Massachusetts Communities Action Network. “We need less crime victims and as people of faith, we believe in redemption.”

“This victory is the culmination of years of tireless work to bring the issue to the forefront and build support for change,” said Wilnelia Rivera, Chair of the Commonwealth CORI Coalition and Neighbor to Neighbor Campaigns Director. “Today, our state has made good policy for public safety and our communities. CORI reform will stop the revolving door of recidivism, strengthen families, and cut costs to taxpayers in the process.”

Angela Estrada, a member of Neighbor to Neighbor who has a CORI record, said, “This is a huge victory for all of the people that have worked hard for years to make this reform happen. We have made history by changing this law. We know that when we all unite, we can win.”

MassDOT’s TOD Infrastructure and Housing Support Program (“TOD Bond Program”) is intended to help create more compact, mixed-use, walkable development near transit stations. The TOD Bond Program provides financing for pedestrian improvements, bicycle facilities, housing projects and parking facilities within a quarter-mile of commuter rail, subway or bus stations, as well as ferry terminals.

The former 5.5-acre Brownfield site has been reclaimed and permitted as a TOD project for 199 residential units; 25 of which will be designated as affordable housing. The $50 million project is entirely funded by KSS Realty. Construction has started on the MaxPak site with demolition underway to prepare for construction of the first 15 housing units.

The MaxPak project is adjacent to the planned Green Line Extension, which will extend MBTA service to three densely-populated municipalities with high demand for public transit. The Green Line Extension is a significant economic development and transportation access improvement project for this key region of the Commonwealth.

As a result of the redevelopment of the MaxPak site, an extension of an existing Community Path is planned, encouraging alternative methods of transportation. The TOD grant funds a Community Path extension from Cedar Street to Lowell Street.

“MassDOT’s TOD grant program is designed for just this type of investment,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Jeffrey Mullan. “We are committed to helping create more compact, mixed-use, walkable development close to transit stations.”

“We’re delighted to have the Governor in Somerville again, especially announcing this additional support for the Community Path, which is such an important project for our city. It’s crucial to build the Community Path at the same time as the Green Line Extension, since they are complementary,” said Senator Patricia D. Jehlen.

“What we have here are two fantastic projects coming together thanks to the leadership and vision of the Patrick-Murray Administration. The Community Path is an immensely popular bicycle and pedestrian corridor through our city that links to the Minuteman Path west of Somerville” said Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. “This grant money will bring it right to the doorstep of the planned Green Line extension through Somerville, which is underway only because the Patrick-Murray Administration took charge after multiple previous administrations neglected it. And when you combine the popularity of Community Path with the impact of the Green Line extension, you get transformational development projects like what is taking place at the MaxPak site. This administration is building the infrastructure that will put Somerville on the path to success for decades to come.”

To learn more about Massachusetts Works, visit www.mass.gov/governor/massworks. For additional information on how the Patrick-Murray Administration’s agenda has led Massachusetts out of a global recession faster and stronger than the rest of the nation, visit www.mass.gov/governor/agenda.

MassDOT is the new, unified transportation organization created in 2009 under the historic reform legislation passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Patrick. MassDOT’s four divisions are focused on delivering safe and efficient transportation services across the Commonwealth. For transportation news and updates, visit the MassDOT website at www.mass.gov/massdot, the MassDOT blog at www.mass.gov/blog/transportation or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot.