Governor's visit brings good news for Blount - May 8, 2008

By Will Richmond/ Herald News Staff Reporter

May 8, 2008

Fall River —  Thanks to the state’s Workforce Training Fund, Blount Seafood is raking in the clams.

During a nearly hour-long visit to the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce Thursday, Gov. Deval Patrick announced that the Spindle City manufacturer of frozen soups and sauces was one of 13 companies in southeastern Massachusetts to receive a grant through the state program financed entirely by Massachusetts employers.

The $157,194 grant will be used for three specific areas: lean manufacturing, effective leadership skills for line leaders and a supervisor business training program for supervisors and foremen. Patrick said the grant will go toward training for 90 employees at the company headquartered in the city’s industrial park.

“We’re very glad to be working with you and ask you to use it wisely,” Patrick advised.
The governor’s stop, as part of a day-long tour of municipalities along Interstate 195, also served as an opportunity for Patrick to renew his campaign pledge to serve as the chief executive officer of the entire state.

Flanked by the city’s legislative delegation and Mayor Robert Correia, Patrick talked of the financial investments through bond bills and grants that have been made in relation to Fall River or regional projects. He also noted visits to the area by members of his administrative team for various projects and announcements.

As examples, Patrick pointed to the recent stop by Secretary of Transportation Bernard Cohen to provide an update on the commuter rail extension project and the funding included in a transportation bond bill to cover the costs of the project’s planning phase.

“This keeps us on track to bring commuter rail to the region,” Patrick said.

Along with the rail commitment, Patrick ticked off a list of local public safety grants and infrastructure investments his administration has announced since becoming governor.
Local leaders also jumped in to laud Patrick for keeping his campaign promise.

Correia cited the recent approval of state leaders to again allow hazardous cargo trucks on I-195 under Government Center.

“That’s a done deal, not just talk,” Correia said of the change that takes effect on May 15.

The first-year mayor also praised Patrick for moving the Route 24 off-ramp project forward, bringing the imposing 27 sticking points down to just one.

“The message is the governor is delivering for us,” Correia said. “Not only am I pleased and happy to see you, but on behalf of the city and its people, I want to thank you for your effort.”

The cooperation between the state and city, Patrick said, will continue despite concerns of an economic recession.

Noting that job markets are declining nationwide and housing markets continue to plummet, Patrick said the state’s recently announced four-part stimulus plan will help stem the tide.

“No, it’s not all we can do, but this is what we must do and can do to position us for long-term growth,” Patrick said.

For Fall River, Patrick said the planned executive park on the Freetown border has the potential to join the 16 growth districts in the commonwealth, through which commercial development is expedited.

“But you’ve known that for some time,” Patrick said.