星期二, 7月 08, 2014

麻州府撥款8360萬元建24棟可負擔住宅大樓

麻州州長派區克(Deval Patrick)昨(七)日宣佈撥款八千三百六十萬元,在全州資助24個可負擔住宅項目,估計可建成1328個單位,促成二千個工作機會。
            麻州州長辦公室表示,派區克政府從2007年起投資了約十億元聯邦及州府資源,建造了24000個住宅單位,其中約有22000戶為可負擔住宅。
            2012年十一月時,派區克政府宣布,麻州政府的計劃是每年建造一萬戶多家庭住宅,以期吸引更多年輕家庭及個人留在麻州,讓麻州得以擁有更多僱主所喜歡的具備技能,又年輕的人才。
            在獲得資助的各項計劃中,費奇堡市的 費奇堡紗廠第三期工程(Fitchburg Yarn Mill Phase III)也是其中之一。
         該發展計劃由 Winn 發展公司開發。麻州的住宅及社區發展部(DHCD)將以來自聯邦及州政府的低收入住宅抵稅優惠(Low Income Housing Tax Credits),聯邦的住宅(HOME),以及穩定住宅基金,以社區為根據的住宅,整合設施基金,可負擔住宅信託基金補助等款項,提供援助。
            該工程一旦竣工,將可為當地家庭提供38個可負擔住宅。發展商還將在全部的94各單位中,保留十戶,給年收入低於區域中位收入百分之三十的家庭。
            麻州州長派區克(Deval Patrick)昨日還簽署了 H. 4164法案,將採取多項措施,處理天然瓦斯氣漏洩問題。

            費奇堡市長黃素芬表示,該市在這一波行動中,獲得聯邦政府交通部的管道及危險物品項目撥給五萬元,用於鑑定,防止天然瓦斯泄露。

GOVERNOR PATRICK ANNOUNCES NEW SUPPORT FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH
Over $83 Million Will Build or Preserve 1,328 Units of Housing, Create Over 2,000 Construction Jobs
SPRINGFIELD – Monday, July 7, 2014 – Governor Deval Patrick today announced $83.6 million in funding to create 24 affordable housing projects across the state, building on the Patrick Administration’s commitment to improving housing infrastructure to support growth and opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. In all, the projects will create 1,328 units of housing and over 2,000 jobs.

“Affordable housing helps to generate jobs, grow local businesses and strengthen our communities” said Governor Patrick. “Government’s role is to help people help themselves, and sustainable affordable housing will create growth and opportunity in our communities that will last for generations to come.”

Since 2007, the Patrick Administration has invested over $1 billion in state and federal resources to create 24,000 units of housing, of which approximately 22,000 are affordable.

Last week, Governor Patrick released his Fiscal Year 2015 Capital Investment Plan, which builds upon the Administration's successful efforts to stimulate job creation and support long-term economic growth by making record level investments in higher education, innovation and infrastructure projects. The FY15 Capital Plan continues to make investments in low-income housing development, including increased levels of funding for programs that support the production and preservation of affordable housing for low-income families and individuals, as well as community-based housing for clients of the Department of Mental Health and Department of Developmental Services.

“Providing quality housing to those who need it must be a priority,” said Congressman Mike Capuano. “I commend the Patrick Administration for its commitment to creating housing for families most in need.”

“Even as our economy continues to improve, more and more families are having difficulty finding safe, affordable housing,” said Congressman Jim McGovern.  “I’m particularly pleased to see the investments in Northampton and Greenfield announced today. I commend the Patrick Administration for their continued commitment to this important issue.”

“These funds will help provide affordable and secure housing to families in Fitchburg, Haverhill, and Lunenburg, with economic ripple effects across the Third District,” said Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. “Projects such as these prioritize the reuse of historic buildings, boost the local economy and help put people back to work, making them a valuable investment in our communities.”

In November 2012, Governor Patrick announced the Commonwealth’s goal of creating 10,000 multi-family housing units per year. By creating this type of housing, which is attractive to young families and individuals, Massachusetts is better prepared to keep in state the skilled, young workforce which employers are seeking.  

Last fall, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Greg Bialecki accepted a national “workforce housing” award from the Urban Land Institute, recognizing the Patrick Administration’s leadership in pursuing a strategy to increase the supply of housing needed, and in the places needed, for its workforce.

Improving the housing stock at all levels is a priority for the Patrick Administration. Along with creating new housing, the Administration has made significant investments in the Commonwealth’s public housing stock, by preserving and improving the 46,000 housing units in the system through increased capital funding, increased operating subsidies and changes in management of those resources.

“Housing is the cornerstone to economic success in the Commonwealth,” said Undersecretary of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Aaron Gornstein. “Through key initiatives and collaborations across state government and with our local partners, we continue to ensure a stable and robust housing market for our neighbors and our communities. Expanding and preserving affordable housing opportunities for families and seniors with modest incomes is especially important.”

“This investment in affordable housing is critical for families living in the high-cost, Metro-Boston area,” said State Senator Sal DiDomenico. “These developments are vital to keeping Massachusetts’s competitive edge in our current economy, keeping valuable workers from moving out of state, and will give average residents the ability to live, work, and send their children to schools in the cities and communities that they call home.”

“These investments will make sure high quality affordable housing is within the reach of working families,” said State Senator Benjamin B. Downing. “I applaud the Patrick administration for maintaining their commitment to investing in communities across Massachusetts.”

“I am thrilled by Governor Patrick's announcement today about continued investments in affordable housing," said State Senator James T. Welch. "Preserving and creating affordable housing is essential to the success and stability of families here in Western Massachusetts and throughout the Commonwealth."

“The Fitchburg Yarn Mill is a historic complex of buildings on the Nashua River,” said Representative Stephen L. DiNatale. “This revitalization project is a beautiful example of an effective public-private partnership and a successful redevelopment project.”

“This will be a great help in restoring a significant number of housing units in one of the City’s oldest, and more substantial, complexes,” said Pittsfield Mayor Dan Bianchi.

“The City of Greenfield, a “green” community, has been a staunch supporter of Governor Patrick’s call to rebuild affordable housing for all levels of the wage scale,” said Greenfield Mayor William Martin. “As an active participant evidenced by new and substantial rehabilitation of the 55-year-old Oak Courts Veterans family housing of 72 units and single family home developments in several locations, Greenfield will provide additional modern and energy efficient housing at Leyden Woods for working families. This housing, coupled with the availability of new jobs in surrounding industries, will continue the momentum toward our economic development goals. I thank the Governor and Secretary Bialecki for recognizing Greenfield as a partner on their team.”

“This funding for Highland Woods is crucial to Williamstown's goals of increasing affordable housing and relocating residents of The Spruces mobile home park decimated by Tropical Storm Irene,” said Williamstown Town Manager Peter L. Fohlin. “Governor Patrick and Secretary Bialecki have been steadfast supporters of our recovery efforts to provide homes for as many Spruces families as possible, as well as other deserving seniors. “This project is only possible thanks to the committed partnership of private developers, town funding, and State financial and technical support.”

The following projects were announced today:
75 Amory Avenue, Boston, is a new construction project located in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood and sponsored by Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation (JPNDC).  DHCD will support the project with federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, federal HOME funds and state bond subsidies; the City of Boston also will support the project. When completed, 75 Amory Avenue will offer 39 affordable units for families, with eight units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of area median income.

RTH Riverway, Boston, is a new construction project located in the Longwood Medical Area and sponsored by Roxbury Tenants of Harvard (RTH).  DHCD will support RTH Riverway with federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits, federal HOME funds and state bond subsidies; the City of Boston also will provide funds to the project. When completed, the project will include 60 affordable units for families, with 14 units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of area median income.

Whittier-Lyndhurst-Washington, Boston, is a part preservation, part historic re-use and part new construction project located in the Dorchester neighborhood  and sponsored by Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation. DHCD will support the project with federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, federal HOME funds, and state bond subsidies; the City of Boston also will support the project.  When completed, Whittier-Lyndhurst-Washington will offer 44 affordable units for families, with 13 units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of area median income.

Port Landing, Cambridge, is a new construction project located in Kendall Square sponsored by Capstone Communities and Hope Real Estate.  DHCD will support the project with Housing Stabilization Funds, Commercial Area Transit Node Program Funds, Affordable Housing Trust Funds; the City of Cambridge will also support the project.  When completed, the project will include 20 affordable units for families, with two reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of area median income.

Chapin School Veterans Housing, Chicopee, is the adaptive re-use of a historic school building.  The project is jointly sponsored by Soldier On, Inc. and the O’Connell Development Group, Inc.  DHCD will support the project with federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits.  It will also be supported by funding from the City of Chicopee.  When completed, Chapin School will offer 43 units of housing for veterans, all of which will be affordable.  Nine of the 43 units will be reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of area median income.

Village at Lincoln Park, Dartmouth, is a new construction family housing project to be built on the site of a former amusement park.  It is the first of several phases to be built on the site which received a 40R designation.  Other planned phases include an elderly rental project, as well as single family homes.  The Town is very supportive and has contributed $100,000 from the Dartmouth Affordable Housing Trust Fund to this phase of the project.  This phase will consist of 36 family units, of which four will be reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of area median income.

Island Creek Village North Age Restricted, Duxbury, is a new construction project sponsored by Beacon Communities. DHCD will support the project with federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits and Affordable Housing Trust Funds.  When completed, Island Creek Village North Age Restricted will offer 94 units of affordable housing for residents aged 55 and older.  The sponsor is reserving 19 of the 94 units for households earning less than 30 percent of the area median income.

Fitchburg Yarn Mill Phase III, Fitchburg, is the adaptive re-use of a historic mill building sponsored by Winn Development. DHCD will support the project with federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits, federal HOME, Housing Stabilization Fund, Community Based Housing, Facilities Consolidation Fund and Affordable Housing Trust Fund subsidies.  When completed, Fitchburg Yarn Mill will offer 38 units of affordable housing for families.  The sponsor is reserving 10 of the 94 total units for households earning less than 30 percent of the area median income.

Leyden Woods Apartments, Phase I, Greenfield, is a new construction and preservation project sponsored by The Community Builders.  DHCD will support the project with federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, state Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Capital Improvement and Preservation Fund, Community Based Housing, Facilities Consolidation Fund and Affordable Housing Trust Fund subsidies.  When completed, Leyden Woods Apartments Phase I will offer 113 units of affordable housing for families.  The sponsor is reserving 23 of the 113 units for households earning less than 30 percent of the area median income.

Tenney Place Apartments Phase I, Haverhill, is a new construction project sponsored by Dakota Partners.  DHCD will support Tenney Place Apartments with federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits, federal HOME funds and state bond subsidies; the City of Haverhill also will support the project.  When completed, Tenney Place Apartments will offer 72 affordable units for families; 56 units will be affordable, with eight units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of area median income.

Tritown Landing Phase III, Lunenberg, is a new construction project sponsored by Great Bridge Properties. DHCD will support the project with federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, federal HOME, Housing Stabilization Funds and Affordable Housing Trust Fund subsidies.  When completed, Tritown Landing Phase III will offer 32 units of affordable housing for families.  The sponsor is reserving four of the 32 units for households earning less than 30 percent of the area median income.

Shoe Shop Place, Middleborough, is the adaptive re-use of a historic mill building.  The project is jointly sponsored by The Neighborhood Corporation and Neighborhood of Affordable Housing, Inc.  DHCD will support the project with federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits and Affordable Housing Trust Fund subsidies.  It will also be supported by funding from the Town of Middleborough and the Greater Attleboro and Taunton HOME Consortium.  When completed, Shoe Shop Place will offer 24 units of housing for families, all of which will be affordable.  Five of the 24 units will be reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of area median income.

Christopher Heights, Northampton, is a new construction project sponsored by The Grantham Group.  DHCD will support the project with federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits and Affordable Housing Trust Fund subsidies.  It will also be supported by funding from the City of Northampton.  When completed, Christopher Heights will offer 83 units of Assisted Living housing for seniors, 43 of which will be affordable.  Seventeen of the 43 affordable units will be reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of area median income.

Leeds Transitional Housing, Northampton, is a new construction project sponsored by Soldier On, Inc.  DHCD will support the project with Housing Innovation Funds and Affordable Housing Trust Funds.  When completed, the project will include 16 units for women veterans and their children, with four units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of area median income.

Dalton Apartments, Pittsfield, is a preservation project and sponsored by the Berkshire Housing Development Corporation and Rees-Larkin Development.  DHCD will support the project with federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits and state bond subsidies; the City of Pittsfield also will support the project.  When completed, Dalton Apartments will offer 100 affordable units for families, with 10 units reserved for families earning less than 30 percent of area median income.

Stable Path Rental Housing, Provincetown, is a new construction project sponsored by the Community Housing Resource, Inc.  DHCD will support the project with federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, federal HOME, and state Housing Stabilization and Affordable Housing Trust Fund subsidies.  It will also be supported by funding from the Town of Provincetown and the Barnstable County HOME Consortium.  When completed, Stable Path will offer 23 units of housing for families, 18 of which will be affordable.  Five of the 23 units are reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of area median income.

Kendrigan Place, Quincy, is a preservation project located in Quincy and sponsored by NeighborWorks of Southern Massachusetts.  DHCD will support the project with Low Income Housing Tax Credits, state Low Income Housing Tax Credits, federal HOME, Community Based Housing, Capital Improvement and Preservation Fund and Affordable Housing Trust Fund subsidies.  It will also be supported by Quincy HOME, the Community Preservation Coalition and City of Quincy Affordable Housing Trust funding.  When completed, 78 units of affordable housing will be preserved. Eight of the units will be reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of area median income.

189 Broadway, Revere, is a new construction project for seniors sponsored by The Neighborhood Developers.  DHCD will support the project with federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Facilities Consolidation Fund and federal HOME funds. The development will also receive funding from the North Suburban HOME Consortium. When completed, 189 Broadway will offer 39 units of affordable housing for adults aged 55 and older.  The sponsor is reserving four of the 39 units for households earning less than 30 percent of area median income.

Kenwyn Quadrangle, Springfield, is the preservation of two historic buildings that currently house low and moderate-income families.  Each property has been owned and managed by HAPHousing for over 15 years.  Kenwyn Apartments completed its 15-year Low Income Housing Tax Credit compliance (LIHTC) period in 2010; Quadrangle Court completed its 15-year LIHTC compliance period in 2013.  The buildings need recapitalization and additional historic, life and safety improvements.  Together they comprise 60 units of housing, of which six will be set aside for households earning less than 30 percent of area median income.

Outing Park II, Springfield, is a preservation and new construction project located in the Outing Park Historic District and is sponsored by the First Resource Development Company.  DHCD will support the project with federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits, federal HOME funds and state bond subsidies; the City of Springfield also will support the project. When completed, Outing Park II will offer 118 affordable units for families, with 12 units reserved for families earning less than 30 percent of area median income.

Cranberry Manor & Carpenter’s Glen, Wareham and Taunton, is the restructuring of two projects that will bring needed capital improvement and continued affordability to these two affordable housing resources on the South Shore.  The project is sponsored by the South Shore Housing Development Corporation, which is the current owner of the project.  DHCD will support the project with Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Housing Stabilization Fund and Community Based Housing funds.  Six of the units will be reserved for families earning less than 30 percent of area median income.

Highland Woods, Williamstown, is a new construction project sponsored by Berkshire Housing, Inc.  DHCD will support the project with federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Housing Stabilization Fund and Affordable Housing Trust Fund subsidies.  It will also be supported by funding from the Town of Williamstown.  When completed, Highland Woods will offer 40 units of housing for seniors, all of which will be affordable.  Eight of the 40 units will be reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of area median income.

John Howland Jr. House, New Bedford, is the adaptive re-use of a historic building in New Bedford.  The project is sponsored by the Waterfront Historic Area League.  DHCD will support the project with federal HOME funds.  It will also be supported by funding from the City of New Bedford.  When completed, Howland House will offer seven units of housing, five of which will be affordable.

181 Washington Street, Somerville, is a new construction project located in Union Square, Somerville and sponsored by the Somerville Community Corporation.  DHCD will support the project with federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits, AHTF, CBH and HSF.  The development will also receive funding from the City of Somerville.  When completed, 181 Washington will offer 35 units of affordable family housing.  The sponsor is reserving eight units of the 35 units for households earning less than 30 percent of area median income.

星期一, 7月 07, 2014

Mayor Walsh Announces Boston Fire Commissioner/Chief of Department Appointment

Mayor Walsh Announces Boston Fire Commissioner/Chief of Department Appointment
Will appoint Joseph E. Finn following nationwide search

BOSTON -- Today, Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced that he will appoint Chief Joseph E. Finn as the next Commissioner/Chief of the Boston Fire Department. Chief Finn will assume the duties from current Interim Commissioner/Chief John Hasson.

"Deputy Chief Finn possesses a broad and impressive understanding of the Boston Fire Department, including personnel, public safety, and administration," said Mayor Walsh. "Interim Commissioner/Chief Hasson has shown exceptional leadership and I'm grateful for his service as he passes the torch to Chief Finn. Chief Finn's experience and leadership style, along with his commitment to diversity and fairness, will help move our Fire Department into an even more successful era of service to the people of Boston."

In March 2014, Mayor Walsh announced the selection of FACETS management consulting firm to identify the permanent Commissioner of the Boston Fire Department. FACETS conducted a nationwide search following a multi-phase process, including information gathering, engaging with stakeholders and the community, recruiting and vetting of qualified candidates nationwide, and creating a short list of candidates for selection by Mayor Walsh. The final list of candidates was presented for consideration in early June.

Joseph E. Finn has been a member of the Boston Fire Department since October of 1984 and has risen through the ranks of the department. In 2001, he was promoted Deputy Chief of Personnel, responsible for recruitment, selection and hiring, as well as contract enforcement, employee assistance, and discipline. He was named to this post based on the findings of the O’Toole Commission, and was charged with implementing the Commission’s recommendations related to disparity of treatment towards members. He initiated and trained the first team of investigators to examine harassment and discrimination allegations, and trained firefighters to become mediators to achieve conflict resolution among staff.

Since 2005, Deputy Chief Finn has served as a Division Commander, in charge of all administrative functions, fire ground operations, hazardous materials, and technical rescue responses in Division One.

In his 30 years with the Boston Fire Department, Deputy Chief Finn made significant contributions to the department, including establishing an EMT training program that increased the number of EMTs on the Boston Fire Department by 50 percent, and assisting in the development of state regulations for the use of semi-automatic external defibrillators, and of legislation that made the Fire service a major participant in the delivery of Emergency Medical Services.

Deputy Chief Finn has served as a committee member on the Mayor’s task force for the integration of Boston Emergency Medical Services into the Boston Fire Department, and a committee member for the Massachusetts Human Resource Division in the development and implementation for a new entry-level firefighters test. He has worked on numerous planning committees for high profile events for the department, including the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

Deputy Chief Finn holds numerous certifications, including: Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education Inc. in labor law and laws involving discrimination; National Incident Management System (NIMS) certified in Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 700, 800; Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service certified in ICS 300,400; and Department of Justice certified for managing terrorist and large-scale incidents. He also holds numerous certificates related to fire service training from OSHA, Homeland Security, and the National Fire Academy’s extension program.

Deputy Chief Finn also served in the United States Marine Corps. from 1979 to 1982. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University in 2008, graduating magna cum laude.

Deputy Chief Finn will be formally sworn in within the coming weeks.

GOVERNOR PATRICK CELEBRATES CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR CULTURAL FACILITIES ACROSS MASSACHUSETTS

GOVERNOR PATRICK CELEBRATES CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR CULTURAL FACILITIES ACROSS MASSACHUSETTS
$15 million in Fiscal Year 2015 funding for the arts will sustain Administration’s commitment to cultural organizations

PITTSFIELD – Monday, July 7, 2014 – Governor Deval Patrick today joined members of the Massachusetts Cultural Council to celebrate the recent award of $14 million in grants to the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund (CFF)  which will support new building projects for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, schools and communities across Massachusetts. The celebration, which took place at the Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, renews the Administration’s continued support of cultural facilities.

“Investments in our creative economy stimulate growth and opportunity in every corner of the Commonwealth,” said Governor Patrick. “Through this new round of funding, we are continuing to create a more vibrant place for our students to learn, our families to live and our businesses to grow.”

The grants will fund 81 projects that will expand access and education in the arts, history, and sciences; create jobs in construction and cultural tourism and improve the quality of life in many cities and towns across Massachusetts.

With these new grants the Mass Cultural Facilities Fund will have invested nearly $70 million in the Massachusetts creative sector in projects in 118 cities and towns since 2007. These grants have helped restore and preserve many of our Commonwealth’s historic buildings, leveraging private sector dollars that have kept our travel and tourism sector growing and thriving.  More than 15 million people visit organizations funded by the Mass Cultural Facilities Fund annually, with nearly one third of those visitors coming from out-of-state.

Governor Patrick, recognizing the importance of making investments in our creative economy, announced that the Fiscal Year 2015 Capital Plan will provide an additional $15 million for the CFF to help increase investments from both the public sector and private sector to support the sound planning and development of cultural facilities in Massachusetts. After tripling the allocation for the CFF in FY14, from $5 million to $15 million, the Administration sustains its commitment to cultural facilities and the arts in local communities.

In total CFF-funded building projects are spending more than $1.6 billion, providing more than 16,400 building jobs to architects, engineers, contractors, and carpenters. The organizations also plan to add 1,572 permanent jobs after their capital projects are complete.

The FY14 round of funding includes 81 capital grants totaling nearly $13 million and another 48 planning grants totaling just under $1 million. Grants range from $7,000 to $600,000 and must be matched with funds from private philanthropy and/or other public sources. A comprehensive funding list can be foundhere.

The CFF was created as part of an economic stimulus bill approved by the legislature in July 2006. The CFF is jointly administered by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) and MassDevelopment. The goal of the CFF is to increase investments from both the public sector and private sector to support the sound planning and development of cultural facilities in Massachusetts.

GOVERNOR PATRICK SIGNS LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS GAS LEAKS

GOVERNOR PATRICK SIGNS LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS GAS LEAKS

SPRINGFIELD – Monday, July 7, 2014 – Governor Deval Patrick hosted a ceremonial bill signing for H. 4164, “An Act Relative to Natural Gas Leaks.” The law aims to ensure public safety, protect the environment, reduce costs and create jobs by reducing potentially hazardous gas leaks in Massachusetts.

“This legislation will ensure public safety, protect the environment and reduce the cost of utilities for the citizens of the Commonwealth,” said Governor Patrick. “I thank the Legislature for their work on this important issue.”

The legislation establishes a uniform natural gas leak classification standard for the Commonwealth and requires all Grade 1 leaks, which are the most serious, to be repaired or receive continuous surveillance until the hazard is eliminated. Grade 2 leaks are now required to be repaired within 12 months, while Grade 3 leaks require reevaluation. Gas companies will file an initial plan that includes a timeline for removing all leak-prone infrastructure on an accelerated basis. Every five years, gas companies will provide a summary of its replacement progress to date and a summary of work to be completed during the next five years.

The bill further increases public safety by requiring strong communication between municipalities and gas companies regarding projects exposing gas infrastructure. Gas companies are also required to prioritize any repairs detected within school zones.

The bill also calls for the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to design and offer programs that will increase the availability, affordability and feasibility of natural gas service for new customers at the local level.

Massachusetts has some of the oldest gas infrastructure in the country with some pipeline estimated at more than 150 years old according to a recent study. This study indicated that of the approximately 21,000 miles of gas pipeline, more than one-third was prone to leaks. This leakage is environmentally detrimental, costly to customers, and can be a public safety risk.

“This legislation continues the Patrick Administration’s efforts to not only ensure public safety, but save consumers millions of dollars,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Maeve Vallely Bartlett. “This legislation will also help the Commonwealth meet its aggressive greenhouse gas reduction targets by reducing the amount of gas leaked into the environment.”

The bill also amends DPU’s ability to fine gas companies for violations of gas pipeline safety rules, making it consistent with federal law. Companies can now be fined from $100,000 to $200,000 per violation up to $2 million.

Other highlights of the bill include:

•           Requiring gas companies, as part of their annual service quality standards report, to report to the DPU the location of each leak, the date the leak was classified and the date of repair; and

•           Directing the DPU to report to legislative committees on the prevalence of gas leaks in the natural gas system, including the number of leaks and estimates for lost and unaccounted for gas and methane emissions as a result.

The Patrick Administration has set some of the most ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets in the nation. Through the Global Warming Solutions Act, the Commonwealth aims to reduce GHG emissions 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. 

“This piece of legislation will go a long way in improving public safety and help to ensure gas leak explosions in communities like mine never happen again,” said Senator Barry Finegold. “Consumers can take comfort knowing that potentially dangerous leaks will be prioritized and repaired, and energy costs will be reduced through efficiency and increased access and conversion to natural gas.”

"This law is a big step forward on public safety in nearly every neighborhood in Massachusetts,” said Representative Lori Ehrlich. “As this flammable gas travels under our streets in often archaic pipes, I'm thrilled we are compelling gas companies to track their known leaks in a more transparent and uniform way. History has shown that without oversight most leaks are merely monitored. The stakes are too high to let that continue. Compelled by catastrophic and sometimes fatal explosions throughout the Commonwealth, I have worked for years to raise awareness of the need for action. I applaud my colleagues and many stakeholders outside of the legislature for stepping up and making this bill a reality."

"This new law will enhance public safety, expand gas service, and lead to better coordination between the state, municipalities and utility companies across the Commonwealth," said Representative Mark J. Cusack. "The new grading system for gas leaks and the mandated repair schedule will end the days of band aids being put on band aids and lead to full replacement of pipes ensuring the safety of our residents and businesses."

“I would like to thank Governor Patrick for signing this important piece of legislation,” said Representative John Keenan, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. “This law is an important public safety initiative which acts to both decrease gas leaks in our infrastructure, and to improve our environment by reducing greenhouse emissions through replacement of the most leak-prone pipes in our state. Additionally, the legislation encourages the expansion of natural gas distribution in our Commonwealth, which will help many households and small businesses lower their energy bills by taking advantage of a cleaner, cheaper energy source.”

GOVERNOR PATRICK ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS ACCELERATOR

GOVERNOR PATRICK ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS ACCELERATOR
 Tour of Growing ‘Springfield Innovation District’ Highlights Organizations Driving Business Growth and Entrepreneurship in Region

SPRINGFIELD – Monday, July 7, 2014 – Governor Deval Patrick today joined leaders of city and regional organizations that are growing entrepreneurship across the Pioneer Valley for a walking tour of the emerging innovation district in downtown Springfield. During the tour Governor Patrick announced a $100,000 grant from the Innovation Institute at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech) to Valley Venture Mentors (VVM), to support the construction and development of VVM’s accelerator, aimed at bolstering entrepreneurs in the region.

The grant will be overseen by MassTech, a public economic development agency charged with managing grant programs aimed at boosting startups in the Commonwealth and providing entrepreneurs with the support they need to innovate and grow their businesses.

The emerging innovation district in downtown Springfield is concentrated along four blocks on Main Street, from the MassMutual Center to 1550 Main St, where there are significant new developments focused on education, innovation and entrepreneurship. During the tour, Governor Patrick joined with leaders from his Administration, industry and the local community to tour the VVM and Tech Foundry.

At the site of VVM in Tower Square, Governor Patrick announced the $100,000 grant to VVM to support the launch of its first class in January 2015. While at the site, Governor Patrick and Secretary Bialecki heard a presentation from Scott Foster, co-founder of VVM, and executives from MassMutual, the Springfield-based insurance company that recently pledged $1.5 million to help support the construction of the accelerator and another $5 million to help create the Springfield Venture Fund, a financial resource aimed at boosting local startups. The VVM accelerator, modeled after MassChallenge, will work to expand their private sector-led entrepreneur mentorship program with the aim of increasing the number of active start-ups, improving the quality of new enterprises, and building out programs to support the innovation economy in the Pioneer Valley.

“Massachusetts is an innovation incubator and Springfield’s Innovation District will be a high-tech haven for the leading ideas and businesses fueling our innovation economy,” said Senator Edward Markey. The Commonwealth's economy is fueled by the entrepreneurs, businesses and technologies at the cutting edge of the industries of the 21st century, and Springfield is poised to foster and grow the companies that are creating jobs and helping American compete in the global marketplace. I thank Governor Patrick and Mayor Sarno for their leadership and look forward to continuing to work to make Massachusetts a national leader in the 21st century innovation economy.”

During the tour, Governor Patrick also spoke with leaders from Baystate Health Systems, who are constructing the Baystate Innovation Center, a state of the art co-working and business accelerator space focused on health informatics & healthcare technology which is expected to open later this fall. This project is funded by a $5.5 million grant from the Massachusetts Life Science Center which was previously announced last year.

Governor Patrick finished the walking tour with a visit to at Tech Foundry, a nonprofit based in Springfield that hosts classes for local workers, high school and college students to train them in business skills such as entrepreneurship, IT and computer coding.

Other innovative developments in the area include: UMass Center at Springfield, which will unlock a range of degree opportunities to students of all ages that will be tailored to meet the region’s workforce needs; and the WFCR/New England Public Radio Studios, which in September will open its new headquarter studios at a storefront location in the innovation district.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has organized several grant programs over the last few years focused on supporting startups and bolstering regional economic development.

In February 2014, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts announced the winners of the Massachusetts Innovation Mentoring Initiative, a program established by the 2012 Jobs Bill and run by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborate. In February 2014, Valley Venture Mentors received one of three $150,000 awards from MassTech under the Massachusetts Innovation Mentoring Initiative, a program aimed at strengthening entrepreneur and startup mentoring activities across underserved populations, regions and industries in the Commonwealth. In addition, the MassTech Intern Partnership has utilized funds to support the placement of over 160 interns at 100+ startups across Massachusetts, including companies in the health IT, robotics, big data, and advanced manufacturing spaces.

華埠三機構聯歡慶美國獨立表揚華裔二戰老兵

 波士頓市退伍軍人服務局局長Francisco Urena(右一)代表政府,頒發獎狀,
表揚狀給參加二次世界大戰的華裔退伍軍人們,並和他們合影。(周菊子攝)
(Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 紐英崙中華總會,紐英崙廣東同鄉總會,港澳之友社等三個波士頓華埠機構,七月四日晚在帝苑大酒樓舉辦美國國慶聯歡晚會,表揚十名參加過第二次世界大戰退伍軍人,藉以強調美國歷史傳承,華裔也有功勞。
            今年是美國獨立第238年。華埠社區有二百八十多人響應前述三機構的心意,出席盛會,向華裔退伍軍人致敬。
  當晚出席者中年紀最長的黃廷琛(左二)從波士頓市退伍軍人
服務局局長
Francisco Urena(右二)手中領表揚狀。(周菊子攝)
            聯歡會由單鳳琴擔任司儀,蔡倩婷領唱美國國歌,中華廣教學校鼓樂隊擊鼓助興的拉開序幕。
            紐英崙中華總會會長陳毓禮表示,該會十年前也辦過一次慶祝美國國慶聯歡晚會,有四百人出席。今年的七月四日再辦,不巧遇上“亞瑟”颱風,但仍有二百八十多人到會。他強調舉辦這活動的主要目的是致送紀念獎牌,表揚參加過第二次世界大戰的華裔退伍軍人,藉以強調在維護美國的國家榮譽,生死存亡上,華裔也有貢獻。
            波士頓市退伍軍人服務局局長Francisco Urena當晚代表波士頓市府,麻州政府與主辦單位,頒發獎牌及表揚狀。
波士頓華埠退伍軍人會會長司徒文信(左)代表未出席的
二次世界大戰華裔退伍軍人領表揚狀。(周菊子攝)
當晚原定表揚十人,因各種因素,有六人出席,包括已高齡九十以上的黃廷琛,余錦芳,張耀祥,黃錦源。另二人為陳啟邦,朱瑞梧。未出席的黃君裕,黃傳禎,John D. Lee,PHilip W. Chin等人。
其中的黃廷琛當年曾駐守中國,與飛虎隊同戰。張耀祥當年是步兵,派赴德國海德堡(Heidelberg)時,戰爭已差不多結束了。未出席的黃君裕曾踏上二次世界大戰時著名的諾曼地。
左起,黃錦源,黃廷琛,張耀祥,朱瑞梧,陳啟邦,余錦芳等六人,
都曾參加第二次世界大戰,七月四日晚接受表揚。(周菊子攝)
參加過韓戰的黃沛儒,陳毓璇,參加過越戰的李錦堂,余國華,陳文浩,黃國麟,參加過伊拉克戰爭的波士頓華埠退伍軍人會會長司徒文信等人,當晚同享榮耀。
紐英崙中華公所主席阮鴻燦,駐波士頓經濟文化辦事處副處長陳銘俊,波士頓華僑文教中心主任郭大文等人是當晚的嘉賓,一一致詞,頌揚二戰英雄。
 左起,李錦堂,陳毓璇,黃沛儒,黃國麟等人都曾代表美國上戰場。(周菊子攝)
            陳銘俊和郭大文分別以廣東話指出,華僑們不只對美國有貢獻,更是中華民國得以建立的根本,才會有“華僑為革命之母”這句話的出現。郭大文還指出,中華民國的創建者孫中山,也是廣東人。希望華僑們持續支持中華民國。
            致詞,頒獎儀式後,出席嘉賓們以卡拉OK,跳舞來慶祝美國國慶。



經文處副處長陳銘俊(左起)應紐英崙廣東同鄉總會會長雷國輝,
紐英崙中華總會會長陳毓禮,港澳之友社社長余麗媖,
退伍軍人陳文浩等人邀請出席,慶祝美國國慶。(周菊子攝)