Bedford Minuteman
Wednesday, November 5, 2003

$1.4M budgeted for park, North Bridge improvements

By Maureen O'Connell / Staff Writer

CONCORD -- Bright sun, blue skies and turning maple leaves provided the backdrop Friday at the Old North Bridge, as U.S. Rep. Marty Meehan announced almost $1.4 million in federal funding for improvements to Minute Man National Historical Park.

The House approved $1.36 million Thursday afternoon as part of a funding package for national forests and parks. The money will be used to repair the Old North Bridge, improve the parking area and crosswalk leading to the bridge and repair the base of the Minuteman statue. Removal of overgrowth and shrubbery between the bridge and the park's Old North Bridge Visitors Center is also planned.

"When I heard the Old North Bridge was in dire need of repair, there was no question we were going to find funding," said Meehan.

The bridge, site of the first battle of the Revolutionary War in April 1775, has more than 1.2 million visitors each year. Foot traffic, along with erosion along the trail and the banks of the river, have caused concern in recent years.

"This has taken its toll," said Meehan, adding he has been one of those tourists, coming often as a child. "Standing here, you get a sense of the danger and wildness our ancestors faced," said Meehan. "This funding will allow our children and grandchildren to have the same experience."

As Meehan wrapped up his announcement, planes could be heard flying overhead, on their way to and from Hanscom Field.

"Anyone who wonders why we are opposed to expansion of air traffic needs to come and see this," he said. The noise of planes and other aircraft "really don't give you the experience" of the bridge and its history, Meehan said.

Park Superintendent Nancy Nelson praised Meehan and the town of Concord for their work to preserve the park and the Old North Bridge.

"No community is more committed to preservation than this community," she said. Construction is expected to begin in May 2004 and be completed by May 2005.

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