Press Releases

Today, Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) joined state and local leaders to celebrate the advertisement of Phase I of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center in Worcester with the bid ready for review by construction contractors. The Visitor Center is set to open in 2017 and will be a hub for recreational, historical, cultural, and geographic attractions in Worcester and the National Heritage Corridor.

Congressman McGovern helped to secure funding for the Visitor Center through a federal highway department appropriation. The Visitor Center is being constructed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).

“Today marks a big victory for families and businesses in Worcester and throughout the National Heritage Corridor,” Congressman McGovern said. “Helping to secure the federal funding for this project has been a major priority for me and I am so grateful to all of the partners who have helped to make this a reality. With the advertisement of the project bid ready for review by construction contractors, we are on track for the 2017 opening. This visitor center is a strong investment in the region and I look forward to seeing all the ways it will help to bring our communities together.”   

“The construction of the new Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center in Worcester is an excellent example of state and federal government working together with stakeholders on a project that will truly benefit the public and the region for years to come,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “I am so appreciative of the collaborative and lasting efforts of so many that will result in this project coming to fruition.”

“It is exciting to celebrate this important step forward for the Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center,” said Highway Administrator Thomas J. Tinlin. “MassDOT is happy to help with this important project that will serve as a Blackstone River Bikeway access point by providing trails, boardwalks, observational platforms, interpretive signage and kiosks, and paths with connectivity to the bikeway and to Worcester’s Blackstone Linear Park. With MassDOT constructing the visitor center, we are demonstrating our continued commitment to strengthen our economy and quality of life.”

“The Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center will provide residents and visitors alike with the opportunity to explore and enjoy the natural resources that the Blackstone River Valley has to offer,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “I commend the work of all individuals and groups who have worked tirelessly to ensure that this vision would become a reality.”

“Holy Cross is committed to supporting initiatives and programs that contribute to the quality of life in the City and region. The Visitor Center will provide visitors and neighbors alike, including members of our Holy Cross community, a unique and interactive opportunity to celebrate the history of Worcester and Blackstone Valley,” said Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., president of the College of the Holy Cross.

Joining Congressman McGovern today were Secretary Matthew Beaton, Massachusetts Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs; Acting Highway Administrator Thomas Tinlin, MassDOT; Father Philip Boroughs, President of the College of the Holy Cross; Charlene Perkins Cutler, Executive Director of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor; and leaders from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.

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