第15屆亞美節訂9月6日在波士頓廣場舉行

司儀薛夢菲（左起）、甘渴為請亞美會創辦人甄雲龍致詞。
（周菊子攝）

             (Boston Orange波士頓報導) 波士顿亞美聯誼會（AAAB）8月12日近午時分，在麻州政府大樓大堂舉辦接待會，預告第15屆亞美節將於9月6日在波士頓廣場（Boston Common）舉行，有近百人出席觀禮，場面十分熱絡。

亞美聯誼會會長潘菲強調該會集結眾力，為社區服務。（周菊子攝）

                  活動開場前，有穿著青花瓷旗袍的10人禮儀隊做接待，4271樂隊演奏，陳煦涵拉小提琴，東方之聲合唱團的吳皓、李照原等團員演唱美國國歌。

右起，郭凌、方柳君，王仲麗是本屆亞美節的節目統籌。
（周菊子攝）

波士頓亞美聯誼會創辦人兼董事長甄雲龍，會長潘飛，以及亞美節組委會聯合主席曹悅吉，表演節目籌辦團隊的郭凌，方柳君，王仲麗，和出席嘉賓麻州參議員Michael D Brady，眾議員Lisa Field，中國駐紐約總領事館領保處副主任李德等人，接著在司儀甘渴為、薛夢菲介紹中一一致詞。

波士頓市議員愛德華費連也特地在開場前趕到現場致詞，送上表揚狀。

甄雲龍侃談2011年，他72歲時創立亞美聯誼會，抱著「融合亞美族裔，美化社區家園」這初衷，要以謙卑，大愛之心，促進文化交流，族裔溝通，推動進步，遵循法律。經各方熱心人士支持，他們建立了一個讓亞裔展現各自文化，藝術，美食的平台。15年後的今天，他87歲，希望社區大眾能繼續支持，讓這平台走過20年，跨越25年。

郭凌指揮東方合唱團部分團員演唱美國國歌。（周菊子攝）

潘飛一一稱呼嘉賓，感謝團隊及旗袍會為該會第2次在州政府大樓舉辦接待會所做的努力，也感謝前會長，現任廣州聯誼會會長的柏志剛，強調該會宗旨是融合社區，慶祝亞裔的多元文化，協助亞裔企業互通資源。

中國駐紐約總領事館領保處副主任李德致詞。（周菊子攝）

 中國駐紐約總領事館領保處副主任李德稱許亞美聯誼會是一個很棒的平台，讓不同族裔、背景的人，展示各自如何生活。他也指出中領館駐紐約大使陳立，不久前才和麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）晤面，深化兩邊的科技文化及商務的互惠合作，而華裔美人社區在促進中美交流上可以扮演更重要的角色。

            亞美聯誼會透露，該會為促進文化交流，創辦人甄雲龍和董事們還在8月8日拜會日本駐波士頓領事館，晤見了副總領事Minoya Surugu。

             潘飛指出，將為本屆亞美節擔任幕後工作人員的導演張紀中，特地撰詩一首，送上祝賀。甄雲龍的影帝兒子甄子丹，也專程發函給亞美會，表達了祝賀之意。

麻州眾議員Lisa Field。（周菊子攝）

麻州參議員Michael D Brady。（周菊子攝）

            當天的出席者，來自四面八方，有澤遠南方總裁譚浩鏗，商務顧問李建生，華悅音樂創辦人朱鴻，大同房地產創辦人周樹昂，廣州聯誼會歌舞團團長周佩貞，亞美聯誼會理事王天齊，盛雄莊老闆曹品慈，轄區包括牛頓市的麻州眾議員Greg Schwartz，紐約中領館理事陳學軍等等。

            在宣佈會儀式結束後，亞美聯誼會還安排了小提琴演奏，印度古典舞，潘潔聲樂工作室學生演唱，趙漢黎獨舞「見自己」，陳明華演出京劇選段「四郎探母」，陈璵晋演奏二胡，4271樂隊演奏等的文藝演出。

MAYOR WU AND BOSTON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT CELEBRATE IMPROVEMENTS TO HARAMBEE PARK CRICKET FIELDS

MAYOR WU AND BOSTON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT CELEBRATE IMPROVEMENTS TO HARAMBEE PARK CRICKET FIELDS

BOSTON – Thursday, August 14, 2025 – Mayor Michelle Wu joined Interim Boston Parks Commissioner Cathy Baker-Eclipse, Caricom and Conway Cricket Clubs, elected officials, and residents to cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Harambee Park cricket fields. The celebration marks a $2.4 million investment including two cricket fields—one competition field with lighting, one practice field—bleacher seating, pathways and pedestrian lighting. “Transforming our city parks into engaging, community spaces has been a powerful driver in creating vibrant connections and welcoming spaces for everyone to enjoy,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Harambee Park has long been a space for all communities to come together and I'm grateful to continue to witness it thrive.” The new cricket competition and practice fields mark the completion of Phase 4 improvements at Harambee Park, a major milestone in the City of Boston’s decade-long investment in this multi-use community space. Since 2018, the City has committed more than $13 million to phased upgrades at the park, including a $4.1 million project for a new playground, basketball courts, lighting, and pathways; $3.9 million for multipurpose fields, an amphitheater space, and additional lighting in 2020; and $3.15 million in 2022 to enhance the football field, add fitness equipment, improve lighting, and more. "When we create spaces like this for our city's cricket players, it shows we're committed to ensuring all of our Boston athletes - no matter the sport - have a place to play in the city," said City Councilor, Brian Worrell. "Our Caribbean community's talents are on display daily in Boston, but their strength knows no boundaries on the cricket pitch in Harambee Park." Harambee Park, formerly called Franklin Field, is an active recreation park with 45 acres of fields for a variety of sports. Originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1889 to provide dedicated space for recreation, cricket has been a mainstay of Harambee Park for over a hundred years.

Playing cricket at Franklin Field [ca. 1905]. Photo: Boston Pictorial Archive “Harambee Park has been home to cricket for over a century, and today we’re proud to carry that tradition forward with the completion of these brand-new competition and practice fields,” said Cathy Baker-Eclipse. “We’re grateful to our community partners, especially the Conway Cricket Club and Caricom Cricket Club, for their advocacy and guidance throughout this project.”  The $2.4 million project included $170,000 for design and $2,230,000 for construction, funded through the City’s five-year Capital Plan. Design work was led by Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc., and construction was completed by Fleming Brothers, Inc. The design and development of Harambee Park cricket fields were driven by community feedback collected during several public meetings beginning in the fall of 2022. In partnership with local cricket teams – including the Caricom and Conway Cricket Clubs – sight screens, a concrete warm-up area, scoreboards, and a cricket boundary rope were incorporated into the final design.   "Cricket is more than a game;” said Kevin Fagan of Caricom Cricket Club, “It's a classroom where young minds learn discipline, patience, and the courage to rise after every fall.

麻州海港經濟協會獎助項目9/10前接受申請

             （Boston Orange編譯）麻州經濟發展廳（EOED）今（14）日宣佈，2026年度的海港經濟協會獎助金項目，即日起在海港經濟協會網站（https://www.mass.gov/info-details/seaport-economic-council-grant-program）上接受申請，截止日期為至9月10日。

            海港經濟協會已在海港區投資了9300萬美元，這項目藉由策略性投資進長長並維持海事經濟的項目，服務麻州沿海78個社區。該廳鼓勵申請者提出整合部署，測試，以及發展先進科技來促進經濟增長和保護沿海的項目。

            麻州副州長Kim Driscoll是海港經濟協會主席，她說，從小漁鎮到身海港，每一個海岸社區都在麻州經濟中有著重要角色。

            麻州經濟發展廳代理廳長Ashley Stolba表示，麻州的海事經濟是區域繁榮的驅動力，對麻州經濟很重要。

            申請截止日期為2025 年 9 月 10 日晚上 11:59分。

麻州長Healey提案追加預算24.5億美元 2026初選日改在9月1日

            （Boston Orange編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）提案，追加2025會計年度預算24.5 億美元，以期在全國經濟不穩定之中，穩定麻州的財務狀況，該法案還提議把2026年的全州初選日訂為9月1日，以確保州務卿能因應所有州和聯邦的投票截止日期。

            追加的預算包括向穩定基金（Stabilization Fund）注入 1.25 億美元，把超額的「公平份額附加稅（Fair Share surtax）」用於支持學生機會法案（Student Opportunity Act），並以2025會計年度超額資本利得收入為種子金，成立一個新的「學生機會法」，以確保麻州財政具有韌性，能夠對抗聯邦預算及政策決定帶來的負面影響。

這一追加預算在扣除收入抵消後，州政府的淨成本將為 9.47 億美元。

            這法案旨在彌補2025會計年度預算中用於州政府服務的缺口，例如統一免費學校餐和公立醫院的醫療服務。法案還提議增加有限的支出，包括撥款2000萬美元給麻州生命科學中心，2000萬元用於在2026年世界足球盃期間推動麻州旅遊經濟，撥款500萬美元給包括MassHealth成員在內的生育保健機構，以確保人們獲得醫療服務。

在2025會計年度中，麻州經由選民通過的公平份額附加稅法案，得到29.8億美元收入，超過了麻州支出門檻的17億美元。該法案提議將把公平份額附加稅超收部分中的1.5億美元轉給“學生機會法案”，以在麻州各社區支持學生和教育工作者。

麻州政府還提議在該法案中增加幾個外部條款，其中包括恢復「工作與家庭流動法案（WFMA）」頒布之前的歷史做法，即允許汽車監理局（RMV）公開機動車違規歷史的詳細駕駛記錄，以及保護隱私，禁止針對非特定駕駛人的廣泛請求這新措施。

奚莉州長還提議公開州立機構75年以上的記錄，以在尊重病人隱私的同時，方便親人和歷史學家查閱機構記錄。這提議和州立機構特別委員會的建議一樣。

由於目前聯邦許可和稅收抵免的不確定性，該法案還提議給麻州離岸風電更靈活的採購時間表，把麻州簽訂5,600兆瓦離岸風電合約的截止日期從2027年延長至2029年，取消每24個月辦一次招標的要求，以應對市場條件的不斷變化。

該法案的另一個外部條款是擴大麻州公共衛生廳的權力，在聯邦政府未能維持強有力的疫苗接種建議時間表時，容許麻州公共衛生廳制定麻州獨有的標準。

追加預算案中的最大筆支出是「麻州健康(Mass Health)」在2025會計年度中所提供的服務。這法案給「麻州健康」總額20.5億元的經費，扣除聯邦補償款後，麻州政府的淨支出為5.397億元。

追加預算案中的其他撥款包括，7,500 萬美元用於住房保護和穩定，6,070 萬美元用於除雪除冰，以及680 萬美元用於清潔水信託基金。

Governor Healey Files $2.45 Billion Supplemental Budget to Close Fiscal Year 2025 

Bill Funds Health Care, Education, Life Sciences, Public Safety, and Builds Massachusetts’s Financial Reserves  

Boston — Today, Governor Maura Healey filed a supplemental budget bill to strengthen Massachusetts’ financial standing amid national economic uncertainty and end Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) with a balanced budget. The legislation appropriates $2.45 billion in gross spending, at a net cost to the state of $947 million after revenue offsets, to address deficiencies and meet time-sensitive budget needs as Massachusetts closes the books on FY25.  

This bill invests in the state’s future by depositing $125 million into the Stabilization Fund and deploying excess FY25 Fair Share surtax to support implementation of the Student Opportunity Act. In addition, the bill creates a new Economic Resiliency and Federal Response Fund, seeded with FY25 excess capital gains revenues, to ensure that the state remains fiscally resilient against the negative impacts of federal budgetary and policy decisions. 

“With this legislation, we are controlling spending and ensuring that our state budget remains responsible, while also strengthening our ability to weather economic unpredictability coming from Washington,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The funds in our supplemental budget bill will help Massachusetts improve our competitive edge in life sciences, support our world-class education system, and maintain safety in our communities. I appreciate the Legislature’s consideration of this bill and our ongoing partnership in making Massachusetts more affordable and growing our economy.”  

"Now more than ever, Massachusetts communities need to know that they can count on our administration to protect the state resources that fund our schools, our transportation networks, our hospitals and so much more,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This closeout budget bill makes sure that the state meets our financial commitments to our residents, cities and towns, while responsibly shoring up our savings accounts and building our reserves.”  

"Alongside the FY26 supplemental budget bill we filed in early July, this closeout puts Massachusetts in the strongest possible financial position to enter a new fiscal year at a time of high economic uncertainty,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “By proposing a new, flexible funding source that draws on excess FY25 capital gains, and by investing in the state’s Rainy Day Fund, this legislation prepares Massachusetts to better manage potential volatility on the horizon. I want to thank our partners in the Legislature for their ongoing, shared commitment to supporting Massachusetts’s preparedness and fiscal stability.”  

This bill closes gaps in the FY25 budget for state services such as universal free school meals and care at public health hospitals. It also proposes a limited amount of new spending, including $20 million for the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, $20 million to drive the state’s tourism economy during the 2026 World Cup, and $5 million in grants to reproductive health care providers to help ensure access to care, including for MassHealth members. 

In FY25, Massachusetts collected $2.98 billion in revenues from the voter-approved Fair Share surtax, which exceeds our spending threshold by $1.7 billion. This bill proposes transferring $150 million in excess Fair Share to the Student Opportunity Act Investment Fund, supporting implementation of the SOA in Massachusetts communities to continue supporting students and educators.  

The administration is also proposing several outside sections in this legislation, including a provision that would return to the historical practice in place prior to enactment of the Work and Family Mobility Act (WFMA) of allowing the RMV to make public its driving records that detail history of motor vehicle violations, with new guardrails included to protect privacy and prohibit broad non-driver specific requests. 

Governor Healey also filed language that aligns with recommendations made by the Special Commission on State Institutions, including a proposal to make state institutional records over 75 years of age public. The goal of these provisions is to make institutional records easier for loved ones and historians to access while respecting patient privacy concerns.     

Due to uncertainty surrounding federal permitting and tax credits, the bill also proposes more flexibility in the state’s timeline for offshore wind procurements in response to changing market conditions. The supplemental budget extends the deadline for the state to contract for 5,600 MW of offshore wind from 2027 to 2029. Additionally, the budget removes the requirement that a solicitation be conducted every 24 months.  

Another outside section in this bill will expand the state’s Department of Public Health authority to decouple immunization recommendations and requirements in Massachusetts from federal standards if necessary to preserve public health. Under this language, if the federal government fails to maintain a robust schedule of vaccine recommendations, DPH can set independent standards for Massachusetts. 

The bill would also set Sept. 1, 2026 as the statewide primary election day, ensuring that the Secretary of State can meet all state and federal ballot deadlines. 

The largest cost addressed in this supplemental budget is for services provided by MassHealth in FY25. This legislation provides $2.05 billion gross for MassHealth at a net cost to the state of $539.7 million after federal reimbursements.  

This closeout supplemental bill also appropriates:  

• $162.7 million for a reserve to cover costs accrued by Massachusetts Sheriffs 

• $75 million for housing preservation and stabilization  

• $60.7 million for snow and ice removal  

• $18.5 million for public health hospital operations  

• $12 million for Universal School Meals  

• $7.2 million for Department of Correction (DOC) Facilities operations 

• $6.8 million for the Clean Water Trust Fund 

• $3.5 million for State Police operations 

• $700,000 for the Suffolk County District Attorney 

• $20 million for the Massachusetts Life Science Center  

• $20 million to support costs associated with hosting the 2026 World Cup 

• $6.8 million for the Clean Water Trust Fund 

• $5 million for direct supports to reproductive health providers at risk of losing federal funding 

麻州公共衛生廳警告居民注意防範感染弧菌

          （Boston Orange編譯）麻州公共衛生廳 (DPH)發現一宗罕見的創傷弧菌感染病例，患者可能是在Buzzards Bay海灘接觸沿海水域後感染的，警告居民和遊客，注意沿海水域中可能存在弧菌（Vibrio bacteria）危害。

過去幾年來，麻州居民有7宗創傷弧菌病例，其中四宗可能是在麻州境內感染。

麻州公共衛生部說明，弧菌通常生長在溫暖的鹹水或半鹹水中，主要分布在大西洋沿岸。高溫和高於平均水溫的條件有利弧菌生長，因此每年五月到十月是弧菌活躍高峰期。

人們可能透過皮膚接觸，食用污染海鮮，特別是牡蠣，而感染弧菌，本身患有肝病、癌症、糖尿病、愛滋病、地中海貧血，以及正在接受免疫抑制治療的人，一旦感染更容易發展成重症。

如需了解更多關於弧菌感染的資訊，可參閱美國疾病管制與預防中心 (CDC) 的弧菌網站。

Boch中心Shubert劇院今晚由青少年演出『築夢之地』

             (Boston Orange編譯) 博克中心2025 年城市焦點領袖計畫（Boch Center City Spotlights Leadership Program）將於8 月 13 日（週三）下午 5點30，在博克中心舒伯（Shubert）劇院（265 Tremont Street, Boston）推出「築夢之地（A Place to Dream）」的原創藝術展演。

這場表演將由來自波士頓12個社區和21所不同學校，參加“城市焦點領袖計畫”的青少年們創作，演出原創歌曲、舞蹈編排和詩歌，為他們的學習做成果展示。

“城市焦點領袖計畫”是一個有償暑期培訓項目，只在尊重移民歷史，提升人類共同價值，讓青少年深入探討移民議題的複雜性，倡導保護、支持並尊重所有移民，如何處理仇恨情緒，並透過藝術來學習，培養領導技能。

劇場大門將於下午 5點開放，活動免費，可預約入場，表演5點半開始。

Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts Endorses Mayor Michelle Wu for Reelection

Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts Endorses Mayor Michelle Wu for Reelection

Boston, August 13 – Today, Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund (PPAF) of Massachusetts, the advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM), announced that it has endorsed Mayor Michelle Wu for reelection as Mayor of Boston. 

 “Planned Parenthood is on the frontlines of ensuring Bostonians have access to affordable, dignified, life-saving healthcare,” said Mayor Wu. “The Trump administration continues to attack healthcare providers and advocates, but in Boston we stand with organizations like Planned Parenthood, which are so vital to the health and safety of everyone in our communities. I was proud to receive PPAF’s endorsement during my first run for Mayor in 2021, and I’m grateful and proud to receive their endorsement of my reelection campaign.”

“As we work to fortify reproductive freedom in Massachusetts against increasing federal attacks, we need elected leaders at every level of government who will fight for their constituents’ right to bodily autonomy and access to quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care,” said Dominique Lee, President of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts. “Mayor Wu is no stranger to this fight - she has infused her deep personal commitment to reproductive freedom in her work throughout her entire career. PPAF is proud to endorse Michelle Wu for re-election for Mayor of Boston."

PPLM is the largest freestanding reproductive health care provider and advocate in the Commonwealth, providing sexual and reproductive health care to more than 30,000 patients a year at its four health centers across the state and via telehealth. PPLM provides birth control, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, lifesaving cancer screenings, abortion care, gender-affirming hormone therapy, and other critical health services. Every Massachusetts resident can turn to PPLM for compassionate, nonjudgmental care – no matter their race, sexual orientation, gender identity, insurance status, or immigration status.

PPAF joins dozens of other advocacy organizations, labor unions, and elected officials who have endorsed Mayor Wu for reelection. For a full list, please visit michelleforboston.com/endorsements. 

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces First Request for Proposals for Developers under State-Owned Land Initiative

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces First Request for Proposals for Developers under State-Owned Land Initiative 

Administration collaborates with Middlesex Community College and Town of Bedford to issue a Request for Proposals to redevelop an underutilized, surplus parking lot on campus into housing  

BEDFORD – This week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of a surplus, underutilized 5.05-acre parking lot located at 210 Springs Rd, Bedford on the Middlesex Community College Campus (MCC) into at least 20 new homes. This is the first RFP issued by the state since Governor Maura Healey launched her “State Land for Homes” initiative, an inventory of more than 450 acres of surplus state-owned land that could be used for the development of 3,500 new housing units across Massachusetts. 

The Affordable Homes Act, signed by Governor Healey one year ago this month, streamlined surplus land disposition by cutting red tape and speeding up the process for selling available properties and creating much-needed housing. The Affordable Homes Act allows housing on these properties with a density of at least 4 units per acre as-of-right. 

With the goal of increasing affordability, creating units suitable for families, and ensuring building and site designs consistent with community preferences, the Bedford Select Board went even further by offering a density bonus to permit 5 units per acre as-of-right on the Bedford property, provided at least 75 percent of units have three bedrooms, building heights are capped at 2.5 stories and units are no larger than 2,035 square feet.  

“This initiative is all about using the resources already at our disposal and turning underutilized state-owned land into housing so that we can lower costs for everyone,” said Governor Maura Healey. “My team is making quick progress getting these parcels into the hands of developers, and we commend the town of Bedford and Middlesex Community College for stepping up to be partners on this.”  

“DCAMM has been working closely with Bedford and MCC to make this project a reality,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This is a great example of what Team Massachusetts can get done when we work together – cutting red tape, moving forward with urgency and transforming land into homes for our residents.” 

Middlesex Community College previously used this lot for overflow parking, but it has not been used consistently for nearly a decade, as the college’s parking for students can be accommodated in the multiple lots adjacent to its Bedford properties.  

“Middlesex has enjoyed a decades-long collaborative relationship with the town of Bedford, and this RFP process continues that dynamic,” said Phil Sisson, President of Middlesex Community College. “This next step dovetails with the recommendations of both a Master Plan and a decarbonization process that the college has been engaged in for more than two years. We remain committed to being a good neighbor to our host communities in Bedford and Lowell, all while effectively serving the needs of our students, staff, and faculty.” 

“Governor Healey’s State Land for Homes initiative is transforming underused state property into housing we need," said Secretary Ed Augustus of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. “Thanks to the Affordable Homes Act, we're cutting red tape, bringing properties back onto local tax rolls and collaborating with partners like the town of Bedford and Middlesex Community College to create new homes. This is a model for meeting our housing shortage and bringing costs down for Massachusetts residents.”  

“The disposition of this surplus parking lot on the Middlesex Community College Campus is an exciting step forward for the Town, the State and the College,” said Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance Commissioner Adam Baacke. “DCAMM appreciates the robust collaborative engagement from local officials and the public which is reflected in the RFP and will help to move this project forward expeditiously as developers will have a clear picture of the consensus vision for the property and can have confidence that a proposal aligned with those priorities carries little or no entitlement risk.”     

Additional details and the RFP can be found on this page, with proposals due by October 9, 2025 by 3:00PM. DCAMM intends to make a developer selection this Fall.  

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has made housing a top priority, starting with the creation of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities in 2023. Since then, the Administration has initiated a comprehensive approach that includes passage of the $5 billion Affordable Homes Act, implementation of the MBTA Communities Law, creation of the Momentum Fund, the new State Land for Homes initiative to jumpstart housing production on state land, sizable increases in housing tax credits and subsidies and the elimination of renter-paid broker’s fees. As a result, more than 90,000 new homes have been built or are in development since Governor Healey took office.

麻州政府撥款230餘萬元改善渡輪服務。將為服務業員工提供免費或補貼票

（Boston Orange編譯）麻州政府將撥款230 多萬美元，支持六個關鍵項目，大幅度改善波士頓港的渡輪和水上交通服務，以使水上交通成為居民在日常通勤，出行上更為快速、經濟實惠、便捷的選擇。

這也是麻州環境保護局（MassDEP）為緩解道路交通擁堵、提升區域整體交通便利性所做出的重要努力。

這些撥款將用於提升渡輪的多方面服務：

·       擴增運力與新航線： 其中最大筆的 100 萬美元將投入到 MBTA，用於重新設計 Winthrop/Quincy 通勤渡輪路線，預計可將每日載客量提升三倍，並透過路線優化為乘客節省高達 45 分鐘的往返時間。

·       麻州會議中心管理局也獲得 40 萬美元，用於改善東波士頓往返海港區（Seaport） 的渡輪服務，並為通勤的服務業人員提供免費或補貼的船票。

·       支持教育與文化項目： 多個非營利組織也獲得資金，利用水上交通推動教育和文化體驗。例如，Save the Harbor / Save the Bay 將獲得 40 萬美元，用於免費遊船計畫，提供波士頓港島嶼的教育之旅；Boston Harbor Now 也獲得 20 萬美元，用於支持其社區遊船計畫，為弱勢族群提供氣候教育和文化活動所需的水上交通服務。

這筆資金的來源，主要來自於 MassDEP 的許可程序。根據麻州《公共海濱法案》（"Chapter 91"），在波士頓港進行開發的項目，其許可證持有者需向水上交通項目捐款，以確保水上交通服務能與港口開發同步發展。這項投資不僅能有效減少路面交通壓力，更將提升波士頓港區的整體經濟活力和居民生活品質。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Over $2.3 Million to Expand Waterfront Ferry and Water Transportation on Boston Harbor 

Funding will improve daily commutes, ease traffic, and connect residents to jobs, culture, and education 

 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced more than $2.3 million in new funding to expand ferry and water transportation services on the Boston Harbor. The grants will support six projects that make water-based transit a faster, more affordable, and more accessible option for residents — whether they’re commuting to work, visiting cultural landmarks or exploring educational opportunities along the harbor.  

This initiative is part of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s (MassDEP) broader effort to reduce road congestion and make daily travel easier for residents and workers in the region. The projects selected for funding will increase ferry capacity, add new routes and support nonprofit-led programs that use water transportation to bring students and families closer to the region’s cultural and historical assets. 

“We’re making getting around the Harbor faster, easier and more affordable,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Investing in ferries and waterfront transit helps more people get to work, school, appointments and to all of our incredible restaurants and shops on time and at a lower cost.” 

“These projects aren’t just about transportation — they're about creating more activity and opportunity along the waterfront,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Stronger ferry service brings people to local shops, helps tourism and makes it easier for residents to enjoy the harbor. It’s an investment in the local economy as much as it is in commuting.” 

This is the inaugural Boston Harbor Water Transportation grant. Projects receiving funding include the MBTA’s redesigned Winthrop/Quincy ferry routes, which will triple daily passenger capacity between the Seaport, Winthrop and Quincy. Additionally, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority’s Seaport ferry will be able to transport more commuters from North Station to the Seaport and East Boston. Several non-profit organizations that use water transportation for educational and cultural programming on Boston Harbor are also receiving funding.  

“These funds help take cars off the road and improve access to sustainable transportation options, said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We are making smart investments in our future – reducing pollution, improving air quality, and making our daily commutes part of the solution.” 

“Water is one of our most valuable assets in Massachusetts,” said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “These grants connect our workers and students with affordable transportation options and make Boston Harbor and all its amenities more accessible for the public.” 

MassDEP is responsible for protecting and promoting the public’s use of waterfront areas. It administers the Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act, known as “Chapter 91.” The program issues licenses for projects in waterways and ensures that these projects meet public-access requirements.   

As part of MassDEP’s licensing process for development on Boston Harbor, licensees agree to contribute financially to water transportation. This is intended to ensure that transportation options via Boston Harbor keep pace with new development. This grant opportunity uses those funds to support projects that enhance and promote water transportation on Boston Harbor. 

“Water transportation is quickly becoming a go to mode under the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s leadership. I thank Secretary Tepper and Commissioner Heiple for this grant that allows us to improve the Quincy and Winthrop ferry routes where ridership has increased over 100 percent; delivering faster, more reliable, and fully accessible ferry service for the public that we serve,” said MBTA Phillip Eng General Manager and CEO. “I’m proud of the MBTA team as we make strategic investments delivering improved water transportation as part of our multimodal mass transportation system and allow all to experience the beauty of the Boston Harbor and our waterfront communities.”  

The following grant proposals were selected: 

MBTA (awarded $1 million) 

• The award will support a redesigned route for the Winthrop/Quincy commuter ferry, tripling daily passenger capacity and saving riders up to 45 minutes round trip by eliminating route inefficiencies.  The new, separate routes serving Quincy and Winthrop make stops at Logan Airport, the Seaport, and Aquarium. 

Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School (awarded $250,000) 

• The award will support critical repair and upgrades to the Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School’s ferry that transports thousands of students, volunteers, and event attendees to/from Cathleen Stone Island every year. 

Save the Harbor / Save the Bay (awarded $400,000) 

• The award will support Save the Harbor / Save the Bay’s free cruise program, which offers free educational trips to Boston Harbor Islands and educational programming on the rich history of the harbor and its islands. 

Boston Harbor Now (awarded $200,000) 

• The award will support Boston Harbor Now’s Community Cruise Program by funding water transportation services associated with innovative climate education and cultural activities serving vulnerable populations and Environmental Justice populations in the Boston region. 

Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (awarded $400,000) 

• This award will support free or subsidized tickets for service workers commuting to the Seaport and operations costs for the East Boston-to-Seaport Ferry route. 

 

Friends of the Charlestown Navy Yard (awarded $81,500) 

• This award will fund dock improvements in the Charlestown Navy Yard, including additional signage and public seating. 

Please visit our Boston Harbor Water Transportation Grant webpage for more information. 

MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND THE AGE STRONG COMMISSION ANNOUNCE NEW ROLLING GRANT PROGRAM TO SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS WORKING WITH OLDER ADULTS

 MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND THE AGE STRONG COMMISSION ANNOUNCE NEW ROLLING GRANT PROGRAM TO SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS WORKING WITH OLDER ADULTS 

Rolling grant program will award up to $150,000 to organizations serving older adults throughout the year and build on Mayor Wu’s efforts to make Boston a home for every generation

BOSTON - Wednesday, August 13, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Age Strong Commission today announced the launch of a new “Age Strong Rolling Grants” program designed to better support community organizations and individuals working with older adults age 55+ in Boston. This new program builds on Mayor Wu’s work to make Boston a home for everyone and the administration’s ongoing efforts to support older adults and expand programming opportunities across Boston neighborhoods. This program funded by the City will award up to $150,000 to organizations serving older adults.

“This new rolling grant program will allow Age Strong to expand the City’s programming and engage older adults more across every neighborhood,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “By breaking down barriers to access funding and providing multiple opportunities for organizations to apply throughout the year, our administration is working urgently to support older adults across neighborhoods. I encourage all organizations interested in making Boston a home for everyone to apply and look forward to this program building community for our older adults and expanding engaging opportunities for all residents across the city.”

“We heard from our older residents that they wanted more programming in more neighborhoods,” said Age Strong Commissioner Emily Shea. As part of the Mayor’s commitment to making Boston a home for everyone, Age Strong will award up to $150,000 in rolling grants between now and May 2026 to provide more programs in more neighborhoods to enrich the lives of older residents,” said Age Strong Commissioner Emily Shea. “We’re broadening access to funding to support creative ideas that engage older adults in meaningful, joyful, or community-building ways. We are offering expanded options for older residents, from exercise and wellness to arts, social activities, and more.”

Starting August 13, the grant application will be available to the public. Grants of up to $2,500 will be awarded on a rolling basis, with recipients announced at least every two months. Funding priorities include:

• Social engagement programming in underserved communities
• Programs that reach new participants
• Holiday or cultural celebrations
• Trip admissions or transportation

These funding priorities were developed through extensive engagement with various organizations and groups that serve older adults, aimed at addressing gaps and strengthening neighborhood based services. Often, community organizations will identify a potential programming opportunity for older adults but lack the resources to cover costs such as transportation or activity fees. Additionally, studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness can negatively impact physical health particularly in older adults, underscoring the importance of opportunities for connection. This grant program will enhance existing programs and launch new ones, and is intended to strengthen social connection among older adults and reduce barriers to funding for small or one-time activities. 

“We want to create opportunities,” said José F. Massó, Chief of Human Services. “We hear from residents all the time who have wonderful ideas but just need a little funding to make them real. These rolling grants are meant to build connections that improve quality of life for our older residents.”

Grant eligibility requirements include:

• Be a nonprofit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization or have an official fiscal sponsor
• Or be an individual representing a senior group and/or civic association 
• Work with, or on behalf of older adults in Boston
• Be in good financial standing 
• Have capacity to successfully complete tasks and/or activities associated with the funding request (i.e., number of staff/volunteers, staff/volunteer experience, staff/volunteers time, resources)
• Be in good standing with current or previous Age Strong grant reporting requirements

Priority will be given to applicants not currently receiving funding through Age Strong’s FY2025 Expanding Engagement Grant Program, to allow smaller and newer organizations and groups access to resources. Organizations are able to apply more than once to this year’s rolling mini-grant program and are required to demonstrate previously awarded funding has already been used before another award is disbursed by Age Strong.

This announcement builds on the City’s ongoing efforts to expand programming for older adults across Boston neighborhoods and ensure Boston is a home for every generation. In her 2025 State of the City address, Mayor Wu pledged to expand programming for older residents, including activating Age Strong programming at different sites across neighborhoods: Dewitt Center (Roxbury), Spontaneous Celebrations (Jamaica Plain), BCYF Holland Community Center (Dorchester), Union Church (South End), and The Elks (West Roxbury) ensuring older adults have regular access to opportunities for connection, learning, movement, and joy in spaces that are familiar and accessible. Earlier this month, Mayor Wu visited older adults at the Elks to highlight an additional $100,000 investment, which enabled the West Roxbury site to expand their programming from two days to three days.