Offers economic and quality of life priorities for Dudley, Oxford, Southbridge and Webster

September 12, 2012 ... Armed with a comprehensive outline of priorities encompassing economic prosperity, preservation of open space, and transportation and infrastructure needs, Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, delivered his vision for the South Central Massachusetts area during a public forum at the Publick House in Sturbridge on Tuesday evening. The event was held in conjunction with a partnership project through which the South Central Chamber of Commerce, Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission and the Last Green Valley are developing a plan for regional growth and creating a map designating priority areas in a group of communities west and south of Worcester dubbed the "Central Thirteen" for development and preservation.

"Progress in the South Central Massachusetts area requires a strategy for fostering our powerful manufacturing sector and small business base, maintaining our strong natural heritage, and delivering on the needs of our communities," said Moore. "I applaud the CMRPC for taking on this project and leading the discussion to help the region move forward."

Under economic prosperity, Moore discussed the need for the towns of Dudley, Oxford, Southbridge, and Webster to have a Regional Economic Development Strategy similar to that which the state is required to develop pursuant to the Economic Development Reorganization law that was enacted during the last legislative session. "The South Central area needs to incorporate the dynamic of being located on a border with another state and seek ways to capitalize on this geographic position," he said. The Senator also pointed to the need to support existing businesses while expanding opportunities for post secondary education and promoting basic skills for personal and financial success.

Continuing, Moore suggested that preserving open space requires a focus on protecting the national significance of the Last Green Valley through two key initiatives: the Quinebaug Rail Trail in Southbridge, Dudley and Webster and the French River Greenway in Webster, Dudley, and Oxford. Sen. Moore argued, "These trail projects will serve as the foundation of the historic and environmental preservation in the region that make the area a great place to live and have a business." Sen. Moore has played a key role in advancing both trail projects.

Lastly, Moore detailed steps to address transportation and infrastructure needs, expounding on initiatives such as the recently approved $2 million MassWorks grant for expanding the wastewater system in Oxford and linking to the Webster-Dudley treatment plant that will help IPG Photonics and other area businesses to expand. Sen. Moore was instrumental in convincing the Patrick-Murray Administration to award the grant.

In the Senate, Moore serves on the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies and on the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, in addition to the Senate Ways and Means Committee. In June, Senator Moore articulated his vision for the Blackstone Valley region at a similar event that was also organized by the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission.

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