PETERSHAM, Mass. (WWLP) - A ribbon cutting was held for the rehabilitation of an access road leading to the Quabbin Reservoir. Western Massachusetts towns get grant money for universal pre-K Funding of $652,000 was awarded from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), to repave approximately 1.75 miles from outside Gate 43 to just before the bridge. The roadway provides visitors easier access for the use of fishing, walking, running and bike riding. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Tuesday with DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo, along with Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi, State Senators Peter Durant and Jake Oliveira, and State Representatives Todd Smola and Aaron Saunders. “At DCR, we are dedicated to making our properties welcoming and accessible for all users to enjoy and connect with our natural and recreational resources,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “We are pleased to see this important access road revitalized to provide access to the Quabbin Reservoir, a valuable natural and recreational resource for the community.”   “I am grateful to the Department of Conservation and Recreation for its commitment in providing safe access to recreational activities for residents and visitors to our state,” said Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi. “It takes a great team to complete an important project like this, and I appreciate the partners and supporters that worked with us to bring safer roadways to this community.”  "The rehabilitation of the access road to Gate 43 and Area 3 is greatly welcomed by everyone who uses the area for fishing and hiking," said State Senator Peter Durant(Worcester and Hampshire). "I have fished Quabbin recently and heard from people who regularly use Gate 43 to bring boats to the reservoir that this will improve their access and it will allow a better experience for everyone who visits."  “Preserving and enhancing access to the Quabbin Reservoir is crucial for recreation and the environment,” said State Senator Jake Oliveira (Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester). “The rehabilitation of this access road ensures that everyone can continue to enjoy one of Massachusetts' most pristine natural resources. I commend the Department of Conservation and Recreation for their commitment to maintaining this vital connection to the beauty and biodiversity of the Quabbin.”  “The completion of the Gate 43 Access Road project is a testament to the power of community advocacy and collaboration. Clayton 'Syd' Sydla has been a tireless champion for the Quabbin Fishermen's Association, and it was his dedication that brought this project to our attention,” said State Representative Todd Smola (1st Hampden). “Thanks to his persistence and the support of our legislative team, we were able to secure the necessary funding to make this improvement a reality. This new access road ensures that visitors can continue to enjoy everything the Quabbin has to offer safely and without the risk of damaging their vehicles or gear. We are proud to celebrate this milestone and grateful to everyone who made it possible.”  “Improvements to the Launch Area 3 access road conveys our shared commitment to public access to the Quabbin,” said State Representative Aaron Saunders (7th Hampden). “I appreciate the hard work of Representative Smola to secure this funding and Commissioner Arrigo for ensuring this project was undertaken and completed.”  Local News Headlines Strangulation expert shares domestic violence signs at Springfield training What’s the most popular Halloween candy in Massachusetts? Will Massachusetts see northern lights, power grid impacts amid ‘severe’ geomagnetic storm? This is how many are in Massachusetts emergency housing assistance WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.