New Bedford’s public safety network scored a major legislative win this week as the Massachusetts House of Representatives unanimously passed the fiscal year closeout supplemental budget. The bill secures the vital state support required to keep Fire Station 9 fully operational, protecting local jobs and preventing any disruption in emergency response times for North End residents and businesses.
The successful vote comes on the heels of a coordinated, community-wide push from local lawmakers, municipal leaders, and union advocates determined to keep the station’s doors open.
A Unified Effort to Protect Public Safety
The supplemental budget allocates critical funding across the Commonwealth, with Governor Maura Healey’s backing securing $1.3 million specifically for Engine 9. For local officials who made the station’s survival a top legislative priority, the unanimous House vote represents a powerful validation of their grassroots approach to advocacy.
Reflecting on the milestone, State Representative candidate Mark Sylvia shared:
“I’m proud to have worked alongside my colleagues in the New Bedford House delegation to ensure critical funding to keep Fire Engine 9 in operation was included in the close out supplemental budget the House passed unanimously last night. This funding is essential to protecting the residents and businesses who rely on the fire fighters of Engine 9 every day. It ensures that our fire fighters have the resources they needed to keep our neighbors safe. I’m grateful to our delegation’s advocacy, the Governor’s support and I remain committed to fighting for equitable public safety funding for our community.”
What This Means for New Bedford
With the funding package locked into the House’s version of the supplemental budget, the local community can count on:
- Uninterrupted Emergency Coverage: Zero gap in response times for neighborhoods relying on Engine 9.
- Full Staffing Support: Guaranteed resources ensuring firefighters have the tools and personnel necessary to handle dangerous calls safely.
- Secured Local Jobs: Protecting the dedicated first responders who serve the city day in and day out.
Next Steps on Beacon Hill
Following the decisive House victory, the closeout supplemental budget now moves over to the Senate for consideration. Local leaders have signaled that they will keep up the momentum until the funding is officially signed into law, ensuring long-term, equitable public safety investments for New Bedford.
