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星期三, 8月 31, 2016

玉山科協 9/10 談高薪主管被裁撤


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Event to be held at the following time, date, and location:
Saturday, September 10, 2016 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM (EDT)
Microsoft New England Research and Development (NERD) Center
One Memorial Drive, Conference Center First Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142


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Title: Mass Layoffs and Overpaid Senior Executives? Blame BCG and McKinsey?!

Steven Mo, Director of Strategy & Technology Solutions, United Health Group; Former BCG consultant

Abstract:
Recent top headlines include "Cisco to cut 5,500 jobs", "Intel axes 12,000 jobs", "IBM continues layoffs that could top 14,000 job cuts", and "Biogen cuts 11% of workforce in restructuring".  
  • How do big American corporations make decisions like these?  
  • Does hiring consulting firms like the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) or McKinsey really solve the problems?  
In this talk, we will go through an executive top-down approach/analysis on how the organization restructuring decisions are made and implemented, and how could employees stay competitive during the layoff seasons to secure their current or future jobs.  To make the workshop more interactive and entertaining, please bring a calculator, pens, pieces of papers which will be used for our interactive exercises during the talk among all participants!
Share this event on Facebook and Twitter

We hope you can make it!

Cheers,
Monte Jade Science and Technology Association of New England

MAYOR WALSH ISSUES TIPS IN ADVANCE OF SEPTEMBER 1 MOVE-IN

MAYOR WALSH ISSUES TIPS IN ADVANCE OF SEPTEMBER 1 MOVE-IN


Heat map of where moving truck permits have been issued. More info here.



BOSTON - Wednesday, August 31, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today issued a set of tips for new and current residents who are moving in advance of September 1, when 70 percent of leases begin in Boston.

"I am thrilled to welcome new residents and students to the City of Boston, and encourage all residents to take advantage of all that Boston has to offer," said Mayor Walsh. "From our vibrant culture, to our walkable neighborhoods, there is truly something for everyone here. Thank you for choosing Boston as your new home. We are excited to have you here."

Mayor Walsh has implemented strategies to make the September 1st moving process a smoother and more efficient experience for residents:
  • Residents are encouraged to use Boston 311, the city's platform to report non-emergency issues. Through the service, residents can request an inspection of their apartment, report improperly stored trash, etc.
    • Boston 311 can be accessed anywhere within the City limits from both landlines and cellphones. 311 is available through several different platforms, including:

: download the free 

  • Neighborhood liaisons from the Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) will be on-site in various neighborhoods to assist residents with questions or concerns;
  • The Department of Public Works is encouraging landlords to help inform residents when and how to place out trash and recycling material. More information on neighborhood-specific information is available on the city'sTrashDay app;
  • The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) will deploy additional housing, building and environmental inspectors to conduct on the spot inspections on September 1.
In addition to these initiatives, new residents and movers are encouraged to review the following information to prepare for their moving day:

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS

The student move-in process at Boston's colleges and universities will significantly impact local streets and parking. Due to the high volume of moving trucks and street activity, temporary traffic restrictions will be in place from August 31 - September 5, 2016.

Boston neighborhoods that will be most affected by the student move-in process are Allston/BrightonFenwayMission Hill and Roxbury.

To see the full list of temporary traffic restrictions, please visit here.

TRASH DISPOSAL

During the moving process, residents are required to dispose of trash, in compliance with local laws and ordinances. Residents are strongly encouraged to download the TrashDay App, as the app's "Recycling and Trash Directory" feature provides information on how to properly and legally dispose of large household items.

Citations for unsanitary and improper disposal of trash will be issued by Code Enforcement for the Boston Public Works Department. If residents would like to report trash, they may do so through the City's 311 service. Note that improper trash disposal will result in a citation.

INSPECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (ISD) ASSISTANCE

On September 1, ISD staff will be stationed at tables at the Hess Gas Station at 100 Brighton Ave. in Brighton and on the City Hall To-Go Truck to assist residents with the following:

Conducting on the spot inspections

ISD will deploy over 60 inspectors and managers throughout neighborhoods heavily populated with students to conduct inspections and check intake for units subject to the Rental Inspection Ordinance.

Tagging Furniture for Harmful Germs and Bedbugs

Discarded furniture and mattresses can host harmful germs and infestations such as bedbugs and cockroaches. Discarded and abandoned furniture will be tagged for later removal by ISD.

If residents do not want their furniture to be taken or tagged, please make sure you or someone you know looks after the furniture until it is moved safely into a vehicle or apartment.

ALERT BOSTON

Residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for AlertBoston to receive important notifications, including information on parking bans and emergency updates.

PROPERTY OWNERS

Property owners are encouraged to register their property for inspection with ISD and supply appropriate trash receptacles. The following is a list of the criteria units must meet upon delivery to a new occupant:  
  • Clean, sanitary, and safe units;
  • Post Property owner's contact information;
  • Provide smoke & carbon monoxide detectors.

MOVING PERMITS

Posting permit signs

Residents must post signs on the street at least two days before moving. The street space reserved also must be an actual parking spot.

If a car is parked at your reserved spot, call the Boston police at 617-343-4911. Inform them it is not an emergency and provide them with the plate number. If the police can't reach the car owner, they will arrange for a tow.

For information on how to obtain a permit, please visit the City's moving page.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Walsh administration has worked to streamline the process of September 1 move-in by engaging with universities, colleges and landlords to stagger move-in dates.

Residents are encouraged to call the Mayor's 24-hour 311 hotline for any other questions or problems during their move-in process.

For more information, please visit the City's moving page online.

藍捷推出飛古巴航線

A New Era in Cuba Travel Begins as JetBlue Lands in Santa Clara With Historic First Flight

Released : 08/31/2016

JetBlue Becomes the First U.S. Airline to Operate Commercial Service Between U.S. and Cuba in More Than 50 Years
Launch of Service in Santa Clara – JetBlue’s 97th Destination – Is First in Series of Inaugural Flights That Will Position JetBlue as the Preferred Airline for Cuban Travel
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- JetBlue (NASDAQ:JBLU) today made history when it touched down in Santa ClaraCuba, becoming the first U.S. airline to operate a commercial flight between the two countries in more 50 years. JetBlue flight 387 from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) landed at Abel Santamaría Airport (SNU) just before 11 a.m. local time.
This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160831006381/en/
Crewmembers at the Santa Clara Abel Santamaría International Airport in Cuba welcome JetBlue flight  ...
Crewmembers at the Santa Clara Abel Santamaría International Airport inCuba welcome JetBlue flight 387, the first commercial flight to Cuba from U.S.in more than 50 years. (Photo: Business Wire)
The flight ushers in a new era of affordable and convenient air travel to Cuba, and comes after months of collaboration between JetBlue, U.S. officials, Cuban officials and business partners to resume air service between the two countries.
“We are proud to be the first U.S. airline to serve Cuba, but our focus is on being the best airline serving Cuba,” said Robin Hayes, president and chief executive officer, JetBlue. “This historic flight symbolizes our long-term commitment to provide affordable, award-winning service between Cuba and the U.S. For the first time in decades, families separated by only a short stretch of water can easily and affordably visit a loved one, attend an important occasion or visit a special place – and the role we play speaks directly to our mission of inspiring humanity.”
Hayes, along with JetBlue leadership, government officials from both nations, dignitaries and the first customers, were welcomed in Santa Clara with a water canon salute and a celebration by Cuban officials at the airport located some 160 miles east of Havana.
The occasion marked not only the first U.S. scheduled commercial flight since the 1960s, but also the first time an American carrier has operated a scheduled commercial jetliner between the U.S. and Cuba, as U.S. airlines only flew propeller-powered aircraft to the Caribbean island before the embargo began.
“We commend the incredible and tireless work of both U.S. and Cuban officials for making today possible. We extend our deep appreciation to the Ministry of Transportation, IACC, and the Santa Clara Airport for entrusting us to operate this historic flight and look forward to our long-term partnership as we continue to grow our presence in Cuba. And in the U.S., we congratulate Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and the Department of Transportation, Secretary John Kerry and the Department of State, Secretary Penny Pritzker and the Department of Commerce, and the Obama Administration for their leadership in achieving this historic milestone,” said JetBlue CEO Hayes.
“Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is proud to be the first airport in the United States to offer regularly scheduled commercial service to Cuba,” said Mark Gale, CEO/Director, Broward County Aviation Department. “We look forward to the continued partnership with JetBlue as they continue their growth and success here in Broward County.”
- See more at: http://otp.investis.com/clients/us/jetblue_airways/usn/usnews-story.aspx?cid=981&newsid=38836#sthash.sHF4eJIy.dpuf

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $50,000 for Commonwealth’s Largest Freshwater Wetlands Restoration Project

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $50,000 for Commonwealth’s Largest Freshwater Wetlands Restoration Project

BOSTON – August 31, 2016 – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that the Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) has awarded $50,000 to Tidmarsh Farms, Inc. to complete the restoration of 250 acres of coastal freshwater wetlands in Plymouth.

“The Tidmarsh Farms restoration project will have tremendous value to the wildlife in the region and offer many recreational opportunities for people who enjoy the outdoors,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This project is a model for how to transform retired cranberry bogs into self-sustaining natural wetlands, using land conservation and ecological restoration.”

“This project, the largest freshwater wetland restoration project to date in Massachusetts, involves an impressive partnership of a private company, environmental nonprofits, and federal, state and local government,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The ongoing restoration has already begun to transform the property into a more natural wetland system, and we are happy that this grant will allow the project to be completed in the near future.”

This project will restore approximately 3.5 miles of stream and 250 acres of wetland in the Beaver Dam Brook watershed, and involves six dam removals and the addition of 3,000 large wood pieces and thousands of plants. The project includes land protection and on-going monitoring elements organized by the nonprofit Living Observatory.

“When fully restored to health, these 250 acres of coastal freshwater wetlands will help to boost recreation and tourism, improve water quality, increase resilience to climate change and improve habitat for wildlife,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “We are pleased to support this project and commend the owners of Tidmarsh Farms for their commitment to habitat restoration, land conservation and public outreach.”  

The project has been under construction since October 2015 with $1.9 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service and $790,000 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  Mass Audubon and the Town of Plymouth recently received a $1,000,000 Landscape Partnership Grant from EEA to help protect 608 acres of Tidmarsh Farm, which includes the restoration area and surrounding lands.

“We could not be happier with the initial results of this large wetland restoration project,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner George Peterson. “This project is a showcase for how science-based wetland restoration enhances habitat for a wide variety of fish, plants, and wildlife.”

Completion of the project will allow this area to serve its natural function as a flood plain while ensuring free passage of water and wildlife from the headwaters of Beaver Dam Brook to the sea. The site is well situated to transition to salt marsh over the decades as sea level rises.

“Restoring and protecting the coastal wetlands of Massachusetts is incredibly important to safeguarding the well-being of our environment,” said State Senator Vinny deMacedo (R-Plymouth). “I am proud that the fantastic preservation work being done at Tidmarsh Farms will be able to continue with the help of this grant from the Baker-Polito Administration.”

“I am continually impressed by the work done at Tidmarsh Farms to improve wetlands in Manomet,” said State Representative Matthew Muratore (R-Plymouth). “With this grant from the Department of Fish & Game, Tidmarsh Farms will be able to complete the total restoration and increase the amount of conservation land in Plymouth.”

“I would like to thank the Department of Fish and Game for awarding Tidmarsh Farms this grant,” said Representative Randy Hunt (R-Sandwich). “Conservation is incredibly important for the ecological vitality of the South Coast region, and I am pleased that Tidmarsh is leading the charge to complete restoring 250 acres of coastal freshwater wetlands in Plymouth.”

DER has provided project management for the Tidmarsh Farms project since 2010.  Partners include the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Town of Plymouth, Tidmarsh Farms, Inc., the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Mass Bays Project, American Rivers, the Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET), Mass Audubon, and others.  The project engineer is Inter-Fluve, Inc. (Cambridge, MA), and the construction contractor is SumCo Eco-Contracting (Salem, MA).  Construction is expected to be complete in fall 2016, with several years of follow-up planting sourced from a native plant nursery established onsite as part of the project. 

“The transformation of this landscape has been dramatic, and the restoration offers a compelling story of strategic human actions resulting in nature’s return at a landscape scale,” said Bob Wilber, Director of Land Conservation at Mass Audubon.  “We are working hard to raise the funds necessary to make the shared vision of a new Wildlife Sanctuary a reality on this amazing site.” 

“We are extremely grateful for the guidance and support provided by DER over many years, along with our many other partners,” said Glorianna Davenport, Trustee of Tidmarsh Farms and Founder of Living Observatory. “The restoration project offers a field station for inquiry and learning, and Living Observatory is committed to developing the science, interpretation and experience of environmental change for experts and the public."

The mission of the Division of Ecological Restoration is to restore and protect the Commonwealth’s rivers, wetlands and watersheds for the benefit of people and the environment.  The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is responsible for promoting the conservation and enjoyment of the Commonwealth’s natural resources. DFG carries out this mission through land protection and wildlife habitat management, management of inland and marine fish and wildlife species, and ecological restoration of fresh water, salt water, and terrestrial habitats. DFG promotes enjoyment of the Massachusetts environment through outdoor skills workshops, fishing festivals and other educational programs, and by enhancing access to the Commonwealth's rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.

Boston Public Schools Hosts 17th Annual Countdown to Kindergarten Celebration

Boston Public Schools Hosts 17th Annual Countdown to Kindergarten Celebration
Preparing Students for Kindergarten 

Boston, MA. - Wednesday, August 31, 2016 - The Boston Public Schools hosted the 17th Annual Countdown to Kindergarten Celebration yesterday afternoon, Tuesday, August 30, at Boston Children's Museum. Mayor Martin J. Walsh, members of the Boston School Committee, Superintendent Tommy Chang, and more than 2,000 kindergartners were in attendance.

"Boston continues to place a strong emphasis on early education among our youngest residents," said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "It's never too early for children to begin learning, and I'm proud to join families and educators in supporting our shared vision for robust early education."

The celebration was a free, citywide event that welcomed first time kindergartners and their families from across the city.

"Every year, the Committee looks forward to welcoming hundreds of our youngest students into Boston Public Schools," said Boston School Committee Chairperson Michael O'Neill. "The Committee is grateful to everyone, including all of our community partners, for making the celebration a huge success."

The new kindergarteners wore their infamous "I'm going to kindergarten!" yellow t-shirts - and took part in an afternoon of activities, food and fun-- all in preparation for their first day of school.

"We are thrilled to be a partner of Countdown to Kindergarten since its inception," said Jeri Robinson, Boston Children's Museum's Vice President of Early Learning Initiatives and Boston School Committee Member. "It really is heartwarming to watch the kids and families embark on their educational journey."

Participants were able to enjoy free access to the Museum's exhibits, pose questions and have them answered by BPS personnel, and take advantage of free dental and vision screenings. This event was made possible by event sponsors, which include: Cradles to Crayons, Boston Children's Hospital, MEFA, Whole Foods Markets,and WGBH/the Krueger Foundation. Other partnering organizations include the Boston Public Health Commission, the Boston Public Library, the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, New England Eye On-Sight Mobile Vision Clinic, and many more.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Boston Children's Museum, and all of our key sponsors who share in our vision of preparing students for success at Boston Public Schools," said Superintendent Tommy Chang. "Part of achieving increased access to early education is building a community around closing opportunity and achievement gaps, and developing the whole child. It is evident that our families and students are excited, and we look forward to providing them with all of the support necessary for their success this year."

Each kindergartner will leave with a backpack full of school supplies and families will have the opportunity to participate in mini-readiness workshops - stations led by BPS teachers where children and their families can learn how to use materials typically used in the classroom to support their learning at home.

"Countdown to Kindergarten continues to be moved by all the excitement around the annual citywide celebration that welcomes our youngest scholars to BPS," said Director of Countdown to Kindergarten Sonia Gomez-Banrey. "We would like to extend a special thanks to all our partners that help make the event possible and most importantly, congratulate our parents for choosing BPS and remaining engaged throughout their child's educational career."

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Grants to Improve and Protect Coastal Water Quality

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Grants to Improve and Protect
Coastal Water Quality

BOSTON – August 31, 2016 – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced $346,292 in grants to support local efforts to address and treat polluted runoff from roads and paved surfaces to protect coastal water quality. The grants, provided by the Office of Coastal Zone Management’s (CZM) Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) Grant Program, were awarded to Medford, Milton, Plymouth, Salem and Yarmouth.

“Our administration is committed to supporting efforts across the Commonwealth to protect the environment and keep coastal waters clean,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “These grants provide direct funding to municipalities to work at the local level to address sources of pollution impacting waterways and ultimately the coast.”

“These projects underscore the dedication of our cities and towns to water quality protection,”said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “I applaud the ingenuity and commitment that each community receiving a grant has to ensure that polluted runoff does not enter streams, rivers and ultimately our ocean waters.”

“Massachusetts is home to some of the most beautiful coastline in the world,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “To help protect this important resource, Coastal Pollutant Remediation grants provide funding to towns and cities throughout the coastal watershed to improve water quality, support healthy ecosystems and ensure that beaches and shellfish beds remain open for the public to enjoy.”

The goal of CZM’s Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) Grant Program is to improve coastal water quality by reducing or eliminating nonpoint sources of pollution. This type of pollution primarily occurs when contaminants are picked up by rain, snow melt and other flowing water and carried over land, in groundwater or through drainage systems to the nearest body of water and ultimately out to the sea. Nonpoint source pollution impacts water quality and coastal habitat and reduces opportunities to harvest shellfish and swim due to mandated closures.

“For the last 20 years, CZM’s Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grant Program has provided funding and technical assistance for community-based efforts to protect coastal water quality,”said CZM Director Bruce Carlisle. “This year’s grants highlight the commitment of our cities and towns to keeping nonpoint source pollution from degrading our coasts, and CZM continues to be a proud partner in these efforts.”

The following five projects have been funded through this year’s grants:

Medford - $125,000 - The City of Medford, in partnership with the Mystic River Watershed Association, will construct a gravel wetland to treat contaminated stormwater runoff from a municipal parking lot to reduce nutrients and sediment reaching the Mystic River. This project will improve water quality in the river, preserving critical habitat for river herring, and builds on previous work to prioritize stormwater treatment sites in the watershed.

Milton - $17,752 - The Town of Milton, in partnership with the Neponset River Watershed Association, will design stormwater treatment systems at four locations to treat polluted runoff to Unquity Brook. The project, informed by a thorough  assessment of pollution sources, will lead to improved water quality and habitat in Gulliver’s Creek, part of the Neponset River Estuary Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC), which has been recognized by the state for its environmental importance.

Plymouth - $59,910 - The Town of Plymouth, in partnership with the Herring Ponds Watershed Association, will advance a stormwater assessment conducted in 2015 to design and permit stormwater treatment systems at two priority locations. This project will improve water quality in Great Herring Pond and preserve critical habitat for river herring in the active run that links the pond to the Cape Cod Canal.

Salem - $78,680 - The City of Salem, in partnership with Salem Sound Coastwatch, will design and permit stormwater treatment systems at Winter Island Park. The work implements elements of a comprehensive Master Plan for the park area. When constructed, these treatment systems will decrease the polluted stormwater runoff that reaches Salem Sound and Salem Harbor.

Yarmouth  - $64,950 - The Town of Yarmouth will design and construct a gravel bioretention stormwater treatment system. Using this emerging technology, this pilot project will treat bacteria and nitrogen that are degrading local waters. The project will serve as a model for other communities interested in addressing these pollutants. 

“I applaud the work and partnership of the City of Salem and Salem Sound Coastwatch, and thank the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for this grant award,” stated State Senator Joan Lovely (D-Salem). “Winter Island and Salem Harbor are important natural resources. This grant will expand and support city efforts to protect its waterfront to help ensure clean water, a healthy environment and active public use.”

“Salem is grateful to receive these funds to continue our commitment to keeping Winter Island a clean recreational space to be enjoyed by residents and visitors to our beautiful coastline,” said State Representative Paul Tucker (D-Salem). “The Baker-Polito Administration recognizes Salem is committed to keeping our waterfront open and clean in collaboration with Salem Sound Coastwatch.”

“While we still have a ways to go, great progress has been made to clean up the Mystic River,”said State Senator Patricia D. Jehlen (D-Somerville). “This grant will help continue that effort so we can reclaim the river as the unpolluted natural recreational escape it should be.”

“This grant will provide critical resources to ensure the water quality of the Mystic River continues on a path to improvement,” said State Representative Christine Barber (D-Somerville). “I am glad to see Medford and the Mystic River Watershed Association working in partnership to prioritize stormwater treatment.”

“This grant will allow the Mystic River Watershed Association to construct an important project as they continue to do outstanding work in this very important environmental area,” said State Representative Paul Donato (D-Medford).

“I am pleased by the administration’s decision to award a CPR grant to the City of Medford,”said State Representative Sean Garballey (D-Arlington). “This vital funding will assist the City in maintaining watershed quality and upholding its commitment to the preservation of our natural resources.”
The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) is the lead policy and planning agency on coastal and ocean issues within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Through planning, technical and grant assistance and public information programs, CZM seeks to balance the impacts of human activity with the protection of coastal and marine resources. The agency’s work includes helping coastal communities address the challenges of storms, sea level rise and other effects of climate change; working with state, regional and federal partners to balance current and new uses of ocean waters while protecting ocean habitats and promoting sustainable economic development; and partnering with communities and other organizations to protect and restore coastal water quality and habitats.

波士頓市長徵婦女人力會學界合作夥伴

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR ACADEMIC PARTNER WITH THE BOSTON WOMEN'S WORKFORCE COUNCIL  
BOSTON - Tuesday August 30, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced a request for proposal (RFP) seeking an academic partner for theBoston Women's Workforce Council (BWWC). The academic partner will house and support the Executive Director of the BWWC and bring academic and research resources of the chosen institution to support the gender equality goals of the Council.

"Closing the gender wage gap is the right thing to do. It's good for businesses' bottom line and is important to the vitality of Boston's economy. More than 160 businesses that have signed the 100% Talent compact, and it's the reason Boston is on track to become the first city in the nation to close the gender wage gap," said Mayor Walsh. "We look forward to collaborating with an academic partner to add students, professors and researchers to the work of the Boston Women's Workforce Council. Together, we will harness Boston's vibrant economy, and create a premier city for working women."

The BWWC, a business-led and funded public-private partnership between Mayor Walsh and the Greater Boston Business community, is charged with implementing the 100% Talent Compact. The 100% Compact is a first-in-the-nation program in which businesses pledge to take concrete, measurable steps to eliminate the wage gap in their company and to report their progress and employee demographic and salary data anonymously every two years. The 100% Compact is essential to making Boston the best city in America for working women by ensuring all working women are paid equitably and given equal opportunity.

"I thank Mayor Walsh and the business community for their commitment to closing the gender wage gap," said Evelyn Murphy, co-chair of the Boston Women's Workforce Council and former Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts. "By formally engaging with an academic partner this enables the BWWC to incorporate outstanding academic resources in our work."

"Given the growth and success of the BWWC over the past few years it is critical for us to add to the capacity of our work," said Cathy E. Minehan, co-chair of the Boston Women's Workforce Council. "Formally adding an academic partner is an important step, but one that also recognizes the support of the business community for their commitment to close the gender wage gap. "

The request for proposal can be found on the City of Boston's supplier portalwith the identification number EV00003516.

未洽當監管 工程公司被罰款550萬元

BOSTON-BASED ENGINEERING FIRM TO PAY $5.5 MILLION OVER CLAIMS IT FAILED TO PROPERLY OVERSEE CONSTRUCTION OF PLUM ISLAND’S WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM
Multi-Million Dollar Repair Fund Will Enable Newburyport to Remediate Corrosion in Water System and Implement Critical Improvements to Sewer System

            BOSTON – A Boston-based engineering firm will pay $5.5 million to settle allegations it failed in its obligations to adequately oversee construction of Plum Island’s water and sewer systems, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today. 

Construction of the systems, which are maintained by the City of Newburyport, was funded through loans from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s (MassDEP) Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. 

“This company failed to take the necessary steps to make certain that this project was built in accordance with its own technical specifications,” said AG Healey.  “We are pleased that we could come to an agreement that provides Newburyport with the resources needed to undertake needed repairs and ensure the integrity of Plum Island’s critical infrastructure.”

According to today’s settlement, CDM Smith, Inc. (CDM) will pay the state $5.5 million, of which $5.3 million will be paid to the City of Newburyport and placed in a trust fund earmarked for costs and expenses related to the repair, modification, or optimization of Plum Island’s water and sewer systems. 

“I’m grateful to the Attorney General for all of her office’s work on this and for helping us reach an agreement that will provide our city with the resources necessary to repair this system,” said Newburyport Mayor Donna Holaday.

“The contractor on this water and sewer project failed to oversee and manage its installation, resulting in serious repair costs and service disruption for residents,” said Inspector General Glenn A. Cunha. “I thank the Attorney General’s office for pursuing and achieving a settlement that holds the contractor accountable.”

“The city has been working hard to manage their systems,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “Today’s settlement will ensure that Newburyport can make the needed improvements.” 
 “Serious problems with the water and sewer infrastructure on Plum Island have been deeply concerning for some time now, and they need to be properly addressed,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “Fortunately the Attorney General, working with the Mayor and other local officials, have secured a path forward that will bring accountability for those charged with overseeing the project and the resources needed to correct the defects that have us all concerned.”
"I greatly appreciate Mayor Holaday's focus on this matter, the strong advocacy of Attorney General's Office attorneys, as well as the efforts of the state's Inspector General's Office," said Sen. Kathleen O'Connor Ives (D-Newburyport).

“I am glad to see this come to a close and I know that the residents of Plum Island are too,” said Rep. James Kelcourse, (R-Amesbury).  “So many people worked hard to get to this point and we are grateful to them for it."  

"As someone who is in the construction business I very much want to see contractors who do work for the Commonwealth be held responsible for their actions,” said Rep. Lenny Mirra, (R-West Newbury). “Residents and taxpayers will be glad to know that we have an Attorney General's office that will work with elected officials to protect our interests."

In 2000 and 2002, CDM won contracts to design and oversee construction of a water and sewer system for Plum Island, a barrier island that includes parts of the City of Newburyport and the Town of Newbury, with more than 1,200 homes. Under the two contracts, CDM wrote the technical specifications for the project, including a requirement that ductile iron pipe be wrapped in polyethylene to inhibit corrosion. CDM also acted as the on-site agent to ensure that the contractors responsible for building the project did so in accordance with CDM’s specifications.

The AG’s Office commenced its investigation after an initial investigation by the Office of the Inspector General following a 2011 water main break revealed that ductile iron pipes at the site of the break had not been wrapped in polyethylene and were severely corroded. Today’s settlement resolves the AG’s allegations that CDM: did not conform to its design and construction oversight obligations; did not properly familiarize its on-site agents with the ductile iron specification; and did not ensure that contractors abide by those specifications, thereby exposing critical components of the system to corrosive elements.  

            This case was handled by Assistant Attorneys General Gillian Feiner, Chief of AG Healey’s False Claims Division and Betsy Harper, Deputy Chief of AG Healey’s Environmental Protection Division, with assistance from Assistant Attorney General Justin Lowe and Paralegal Krista Roche.  Additional critical assistance was provided by Eric Worrall, David Ferris, and Thomas Mahin of MassDEP and Pamela Talbot, Director of MassDEP’s Environmental Crimes Strike Force.