Gov. Patrick visits Hampshire County

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Governor Deval Patrick visited Hampshire County on Wednesday.

His first stop was at the Jackson Street School in Northampton. The Governor met with students and learned about the school’s achievements.

School officials made a point to show the Governor why they have put stimulus dollars towards the Safe Routes to School Project.

Superintendent Isabelina Rodriguez told 22News that “The majority of these students walk to school. We brought the Governor out here to show him how Route 9 and 10 are dangerous.” She said the school has used funds to widen the sidewalks and create a walking school bus system.

The Governor said “It’s a wonderful investment in community building. I think that’s the best way to spend stimulus money.”

Governor Patrick also visited UMass Amherst where he held a special meeting with college students. Many students lined up for the chance to ask the Governor a question.

The Governor also brought an important message to the students. He asked students to consider staying in Massachusetts in their futures. He said “We’ve got so much talent that comes to Massachusetts. We need that talent to build new industries for tomorrow.”

Governor Patrick also stopped in Holyoke to make a special announcement. He said a new High Performance Computing Center will be built in Holyoke. He said construction on this project will begin next fall and should be completed in late 2011.

Patrick said it’s an initiative that will create jobs and position Massachusetts at the forefront of computer technology.