Springfield Gets $25M In Tornado-Related Aid

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Springfield has received a settlement of $25 million in federal disaster aid for damages caused by a tornado that struck the city in 2011.

Mayor Domenic Sarno and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal announced Monday the money would help pay for several civic improvement projects, including a new senior center.

The announcement came after two years of negotiations with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which initially offered the city $4.2 million for damages associated with the June 1, 2011 tornado.

A series of tornadoes that touched down in Hampden County killed three people, and destroyed or damaged 1,400 houses and nearly 80 businesses.

The money will also be used for a new South End Community Center and the renovation and expansion of the Clifford Phaneuf environmental science center at Forest Park.