DCU Center work gets $5M in capital spending bill

A $1.3 billion capital bond bill sailed through the Senate last week in a unanimous vote after senators tacked on dozens of local earmarks adding about $120 million to the borrowing bill's bottom line.

The bill includes $5 million for the final phase of the expansion project at the DCU Center in downtown Worcester, according to a statement released by the two senators who represent the city, Michael Moore and Harriette Chandler.

The final phase includes improvements, repairs, maintenance, expansion and energy efficiency upgrades, according to the senators’ statement. The expansion will also improve infrastructure and streetscape in several other areas of Worcester, the statement said.

Last year, the DCU Center expanded its arena and conference center as part of a $23-million project. The entire project is expected to cost around $60 million, according to the statement.

The final phase includes:

Completion of mechanical and technology upgrades;
Relocation and reconfiguration of locker rooms, administrative offices and sporting event support areas;
Creation of additional meeting room space;
Enhanced and increased security features, such as camera installation, to improve patron safety.
Expansion of the facility concourse for greater movement of patrons and more space for concessions; and
Completion of streetscape improvements.

(Material from State House News Service was used in this report.)