NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is getting more than a million dollars in seed money to develop an early childhood education facility. 

 

The $1.2 million in funding comes out of some $14 million that U.S. Rep. Richard Neal was able to obtain for community projects. 

 

"I am proud to have secured more than $14 million in Community Project Funds to support the needs of western and central Massachusetts. As we continue to see attacks on congressional spending power, this is an important reminder of why our Founding Fathers entrusted the power of the purse to Congress," said Neal in a statement announcing the funding.

 

"From North Adams to Oxford, I partnered with community leaders throughout the district to explore different funding opportunities that will best serve the needs of my constituents. These investments will strengthen our infrastructure, expand educational opportunities, and improve quality of life for families and businesses across the district for years to come."

 

The college is exploring a facility that would provide a learning lab for students and child care for the campus and local community.

 

Bernadette Alden, the college's director of communications, said the $1.2 million provides "foundational funding for the project."

 

"We'll be engaging community partners and other funding sources to help bring this important facility to fruition," she wrote in an email. "The project would help address the need for additional child-care capacity in the region while also enhancing our academic programs."

 

Other Berkshire organizations receiving funds are:

The balance of the $14 million went to various projects in the 1st Massachusetts District, including a new fire truck for Charlemont, infrastructure improvements in Blandford, Chicopee, Hoyloke, Oxford, Springfield, and West Brookfield; library expansion and Forest Park learning center in Springfield, a senior center in Middlefield, the redevelopment of a historic mill into housing in Holyoke and train control improvements for the state in Springfield. 

 

Members of Congress can request Congressionally Directed Spending for local projects as part of appropriations. 

 

Since the Fiscal Year 2022 appropriations cycle, Neal has secured more than $56 million in congressionally directed spending to support more than 50 projects across the First District.