MassDOT Completes Acquisition of Framingham Secondary Rail Line

MassDOT Completes Acquisition of Framingham Secondary Rail Line

Purchase of line supports existing needs for freight transport; creates potential for future pilot for passenger service

BOSTON – Wednesday, June 17, 2015 – Today, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced it had completed the acquisition of the Framingham Secondary Rail Line, a 21-mile segment of rail that connects Framingham and Mansfield.  The line was purchased from CSX Corporation for $23 million.

Purchase of the Framingham Secondary is a strategic investment that links the Framingham/Worcester, Needham, Franklin, and the Attleboro/Northeast Corridor commuter rail lines together.  The Framingham Secondary Line is also a major rail corridor for the shipment of freight between several key points in eastern Massachusetts, including Readville, Milford, Franklin, Fall River, and New Bedford, as well as Worcester.  The line is also used for passenger service to and from Patriots home games at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.  For the purposes of planning for long-term infrastructure needs, purchase of the line provides added rail capacity that allows for passenger service to travel on alternative routes in cases where capital projects may disrupt normal service. 

“After careful consideration of the agreement to purchase the Framingham Secondary Rail Line from CSX, MassDOT concluded that acquiring this rail asset supports our goals of increasing use of freight rail, which takes trucks off our highways and reduces greenhouse gases by consolidating the movement of freight,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack.  “Additionally, purchase of the line establishes the interconnectivity of four of our major commuter rail lines, which allows us to plan for future rail upgrades in a way that will minimize disruptions by creating options for trains to continue providing passenger service by bypassing sections of rail on any of the four lines that would be under construction.”

Purchase of the line will also guarantee that game-day passenger service to Gillette Stadium for Patriots games will continue.  The rail line’s current condition is only slightly above standards required for passenger service.  MassDOT’s ownership of the line, coupled with infrastructure upgrades, will allow for the continuation of the successful game-day service.  During the 2014-2015 season, 17,128 riders took the train to Foxborough; 6,015 more riders came from Providence, through Mansfield along the southerly end of the Framingham Secondary. 

“Beyond the short-term value of supporting the shipment of freight, in the long term, the line has the potential to support future economic development,” said MassDOT Rail and Transit Administrator Astrid Glynn.  “The communities to the southwest of Boston are experiencing strong regional growth.  Should that trend continue, we would look to engage the surrounding communities in a conversation about the potential for a pilot program of additional passenger rail service.” 

Prior to enhanced service, the line would require significant upgrades to track, signals, and switches, to accommodate regular passenger trains. With preliminary upgrades set to begin next spring, any pilot of service would not begin before calendar year 2017.

Governor Baker Grants $5 Million for Regional School Transportation Funding

Governor Baker Grants $5 Million for Regional School Transportation Funding

Investment supports efforts of Commonwealth’s 85 regional school districts

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker announced today a $5 million investment in the Regional School Transportation Reimbursement Fund (RTR Fund) that supports student transportation efforts of 85 regional school systems throughout the Commonwealth. The Baker-Polito administration made the appropriation through a supplemental allotment to the RTR Fund for Fiscal Year 2015.

“Our communities depend on local aid for transportation and education and that support remains a top priority for our administration despite the budget deficit we inherited upon taking office,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are proud to include in our budget proposal significant increases for education and are pleased to now take this step to support those districts that need it.”

“The Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools (MARS) is very appreciative of the Baker Administration for providing $5 million for regional transportation during this fiscal year,” said MARS Executive Director Stephen Hemman.  “The large 9c regional transportation cut by the previous administration has caused fiscal concerns within regions. This will help toward providing regions with funds that they were counting on receiving this year. We clearly understand what the Baker administration faced when they came into office and we say thank you for your efforts in providing these funds.”

STATEMENT FROM TREASURER GOLDBERG ON CHARLESTON SHOOTING

STATEMENT FROM TREASURER GOLDBERG ON CHARLESTON SHOOTING 
BOSTON, MA -- State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg issued the following statement today about the shooting Wednesday evening in Charleston, South Carolina:

"Today our hearts ache with deep pain for the victims killed at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. This cowardly act of violence, in a house of worship, is starkly at odds with the very spirit that defines and built our nation -- a spirit of diversity, tolerance and equality. My condolences and prayers go out to those families who lost loved ones and to the people of Charleston, as we all struggle to make sense of this incomprehensible crime." 

Boston Book Festival 6/20

BOSTON BOOK FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES
WINNER OF INAUGURAL SHELF HELP INITIATIVE:
PAULINE A. SHAW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, DORCHESTER
TO RECEIVE 50 BRAND NEW K-5 BOOKS
AND AN IN-PERSON VISIT WITH A CHILDREN’S AUTHOR
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IN CONJUNCTION WITH ITS UPCOMING FREE FESTIVAL
HUBBUB: CREATIVE COMMOTION FOR KIDS -------
SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2015, COPLEY SQUARE, BOSTON, FREE!
[Boston, MA – June 5, 2015] In conjunction with the upcoming launch of its new children’s
festival, HUBBUB: Creative Commotion for Kids, on June 20, 2015, the Boston Book Festival announces the recipient of its inaugural SHELF HELP initiative, designed to cultivate and inspire a new generation of readers in Greater Boston: the Pauline A. Shaw Elementary School in Dorchester.
Initiated by the school’s library paraprofessional Morgan VanClief, this recently re-opened Boston Public School with six kindergarten classrooms will enjoy at least 50 brand new books and an in-person visit from a children’s author or illustrator sometime during the 2015-16 school year. Members of the public are encouraged to donate books to the program via an online wish list or can donate on-site at the Hubbub festival in Copley Square on June 20.
Ms. Morgan VanClief, reading at the Pauline A. Shaw Elementary School in Dorchester, MA

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“Many of my students live in the inner city and come from low-income families,” says VanClief, “and don’t have access to books at home. To see them come to school and be fascinated by all that books have to offer is truly amazing. These students are not only eager to read and learn but are enthusiastic to share knowledge with their families, siblings, and grandparents outside of school.”
“The primary goal of my library program,” continues VanClief, “is to instill the love of reading for both pleasure and information. Currently, the students have been studying animals in their classrooms and learning to tell the difference between living and non-living. They came to me asking to learn more and wanting some stories that show both real animals and imaginary ones. Delving deeper into topics like these is giving our students ownership over the curriculum and empowering them to take charge and make decisions about their own learning.”
“With Shelf Help,” says BBF Deputy Director Norah Piehl, “we aim to support students’ discovery and expression of their own unique voices through access to an increased selection of books within their school environment. Words have great power to motivate and provoke all readers to explore themselves and their place in the world around them, and we hope that Shelf Help will encourage students to view themselves as such literary explorers.”
“We know,” says BBF Executive Director Deborah Porter, “that many elementary schools lack the resources to fully stock their school or classroom libraries with contemporary, high-quality books. Meanwhile, elementary school teachers and librarians just want to offer their students books that will motivate them to read, captivate their imaginations, and ignite their wide-ranging interests. We think that one of these schools deserves a little ‘Shelf Help’.”
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Boston Book Festival’s inaugural HUBBUB Festival, an all-day free festival for kids and families of all ages, features dozens of entertaining and educational programs including fun-filled creativity, inventiveness, and exploration, such as an author presentation by Mo Willems, a special concert with Dan Zanes and Friends, and workshops with Esh Circus Arts, Urbanity Dance, and much more. Visit www.hubbubfest.org for all the details.
Author Mo Willems, musical Group Dan Zanes and Friends,and puppetry theatre the Squirel Stole My Underpants
All events are free except the Dan Zanes and Friends concert which offers a $15 ticket for adults and a $10 ticket for children ages 2-12. Tickets may be purchased online at www.hubbubfest.org. There are a handful of presentations that require complimentary online registration – they are noted on the website.
“The offerings for children at the annual Boston Book Festival have been so popular,” says Boston Book Festival founder and executive director Deborah Porter, “that it seemed only fitting to develop another festival focused solely on cultural enrichment for children and families. Our aim is to be inclusive to families

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from every Boston neighborhood. With support from The Highland Street Foundation and others, we hope to encourage creativity with a combination of world-class authors and artistic acts, as well as hands-on activities and experiences where kids will experiment, design, and create. We believe that curiosity, excitement, wonder, and play are the keys to lifelong learning.”
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SIRION Biotech Plans Opening of a New Office in the Boston Area

SIRION Biotech Plans Opening of a New Office in the Boston Area

Boston, MA and Munich, Germany, June 17, 2015  – SIRION Biotech, a leading viral vector platform company known for creating high quality viral vector solutions for industry and academic partners, today announced its commitment to open a new office in the vicinity of Boston. The announcement was made during the 2015 BIO International Convention taking place this week in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

SIRION is working with the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) to locate lab and office space for the Company, which will prove to be a pivotal step in SIRION’s U.S. expansion. SIRION’s office in the Boston area will allow direct access to Massachusetts’ vibrant life science community, which includes an increasing number of biotechnology companies and academic researchers working to develop gene therapies and vaccines for a range of diseases.

“We appreciate the assistance from Massachusetts Life Sciences Center in helping us begin building our U.S. operations in the Boston area, during such an exciting time in our industry,” said Dieter Lingelbach, Chief Operating Officer of SIRION Biotech. “We are a growing company, planning to build on the success we’ve had in Europe, Israel and Japan, as we collaborate with many companies pioneering gene therapies.”

“We are pleased to welcome SIRION to Massachusetts, where the gene therapy space continues to receive significant attention from stakeholders in the life sciences due to its potential to cure a variety of diseases,” said Angus McQuilken, MLSC Vice President for Communications & Marketing. “SIRION will be a great addition to this growing part of the Massachusetts life sciences ecosystem.”

"We're so excited to welcome SIRION to the Massachusetts super cluster and know it is going to hit the ground running as a valuable partner to the companies and organizations here,” said Robert K. Coughlin, President and CEO at MassBio. 

SIRION provides customizable versions of all three major viral vector types, adenovirus (AV), adeno-associated virus (AAV) and lentivirus (LV), and offers expertise in transduction of various cell lines, an essential piece of all genetic applications. SIRION’s high quality products and well established processes coupled with its commitment to addressing each client’s unique needs, has established the Company as a leader in viral vector solutions. SIRION’s expertise in custom viral vector solutions and process development makes SIRION an ideal collaborative partner.

“Producing products of the highest quality, purity and yield are of paramount importance and is also one of the biggest challenges,” said Dr. Christian Thirion, Founder and CTO. “Our suite of proprietary products and services enables us to provide the highest quality tools for downstream applications in gene therapy and vaccine development.”

"I am very pleased that our work to attract life sciences investment - particularly in viral vector manufacturing - is evident to companies like Sirion,” said Senator Michael Rodriques (D-Westport). “This is a great opportunity for Massachusetts, and during our meeting with the company I spoke to them about all that Fall River has to offer as a potential location for this growing company's U.S. operations."

MASSACHUSETTS DIVISION OF BANKS AND TREASURER TO PARTNER ON FINANCIAL EDUCATION INITIATIVES

MASSACHUSETTS DIVISION OF BANKS AND TREASURER TO PARTNER ON FINANCIAL EDUCATION INITIATIVES

Financial Education Innovation Fund to expand financial education for young consumers

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration’s Division of Banks (Division) in partnership with the State Treasurer’s Office today announced the creation of the Financial Education Innovation Fund (Innovation Fund).  The Innovation Fund will provide an opportunity for high schools to develop or expand a financial education fair. 

These events are most commonly known as “Credit for Life” fairs. They are designed to be a

fun and effective way for students to learn about making real world financial decisions when it comes to saving, spending, and budgeting based on career choices and lifestyle decisions.

“I feel strongly that students need to be exposed to financial literacy earlier and more often. We need to teach these skills so they can be used every day, so individuals can make sound financial decisions about their future,” said Governor Baker.  “I am pleased that the Division of Banks is joining the Treasurer’s Office in promoting future Credit for Life Fairs.”

Massachusetts school districts are not required to teach financial education and these courses are taught on a voluntary basis.  Approximately 50 high schools in the Commonwealth currently offer money management events to their students.

"I have seen firsthand the profound impact these 'Credit for Life' fairs have on the high school students participating,” said Treasurer Deb Goldberg. “This Innovation Fund allows us to expand our financial literacy outreach to more communities across the Commonwealth, educating a new group of students on the realities they will face as adults."

Initially, $50,000 will be allocated to the Innovation Fund from the Division to support a pilot financial education program. High schools throughout the Commonwealth that may not otherwise be able to sponsor this type of program may apply for funding to conduct a Credit for Life fair.  This financial education initiative will be funded with monies received by the Division in settlement of alleged unlawful lending practices.

For the first year, up to 15 schools will be selected to receive funding from the Innovation Fund.  Schools must submit a completed application to the Office of the State Treasurer by June 30, 2015 for consideration of an Innovation Fund award of up to $5,000.  Award grantees will be notified in August and financial education events will be conducted by December 31, 2015.

“The Division’s goal of consumer protection goes beyond the implementation and enforcement of laws and regulations,” said John Chapman, Undersecretary of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. “It is also our responsibility to provide consumers of all ages the proper information to make wise financial decisions.”

The application for the Innovation Fund initiative is available on the State Treasurer’s Office of Economic Empowerment website at http://www.mass.gov/treasury/financial-education/innovation-fund/

The Division of Banks is an agency within the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation which oversees state-chartered banks and credit unions, check sellers, debt collectors, foreign transmittal agencies, mortgage lenders and brokers.  For more information visit the Division’s website at www.mass.gov/dob or contact the Division of Bank’s Consumer Hotline at 1-800-495-BANK (2265).

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF CITY-WIDE GET BIKING CHALLENGE

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF CITY-WIDE GET BIKING CHALLENGE

Competition Encouraged K-8 Students to Bike More During National Bike Month

BOSTON - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the successful results of the Boston Bikes Get Biking Challenge, the first city-wide biking competition for youth. Eleven schools accepted the challenge and over 3,500 students were invited to participate by tracking the amount of minutes they rode throughout the month of May.

"Encouraging exercise and healthy choices should start with our youngest residents," said Mayor Walsh. "Boston Bikes Get Biking Challenge was a fun way to do just that, and I'm excited to see such great participation throughout the City." 

The friendly competition ranked schools based on the percent of students who participated and the number of days ridden. The Josiah Quincy Elementary School in Chinatown took first place, earning the Golden Pedal Award and a bike raffle, and Perkins Elementary in South Boston and Nathan Hale Elementary in Roxbury came in second and third place, respectively.

Through the Get Biking Challenge, 1,389 students reported biking a total of 597,760 minutes. Converted into distance, these students biked 79,700 miles, the equivalent of biking around the Earth’s equator three times. In terms of calories, the students burned about 859,810 calories, the equivalent of 6,230 cans of soda.

The Get Biking Challenge was a unique opportunity for students to get active and develop healthy habits. Some students biked to school, others biked during physical education classes or recess, and some students biked with their families on weekends. Students earned participation prizes of stickers, reflectors, bike lights or bike bells.

For more information, visit: http://www.bostonbikes.org/programs/get-biking-school-challenge/overview// or call (617)-918-4253.

About Boston Bikes:

Boston Bikes is part of Mayor Walsh's vision for a vibrant and healthy city that benefits all its citizens. It seeks to make Boston a world-class bicycling city by creating safe and inviting conditions for all residents and visitors. Boston Bikes focuses on improvements in all six universal bike planning areas: Engineering, Enforcement, Education, Encouragement, Equity and Evaluation.

MAYOR WALSH JOINS OVER 30 CITIES CALLING ON FCC TO IMPROVE BROADBAND NETWORK PERFORMANCE MEASURES

MAYOR WALSH JOINS OVER 30 CITIES CALLING ON FCC TO IMPROVE BROADBAND NETWORK PERFORMANCE MEASURES 

Next Century Cities and City Leaders Release Letter in Support of GAO Report

BOSTON- Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today joined mayors and elected officials from 34 communities to call for uniform and accessible reporting on broadband network performance.  The letter, coordinated by Next Century Cities, was prompted by the findings of a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, “BROADBAND PERFORMANCE: Additional Actions Could Help FCC Evaluate its Efforts to Inform Consumers.”

“Our residents deserve access to fast, affordable, and reliable Internet services,” said Mayor Walsh. “Consumers need access to clear, impartial information about the broadband services they buy, and the City needs tools to measure the quality of broadband services in Boston. The Government Accountability Office report highlighted the importance of standardized measurement for broadband network performance, and all should have to abide by its guidelines.”

Boston is a member of Next Century Cities, a city-to-city initiative founded to support communities and their elected leaders as they seek to ensure that all have access to fast, affordable, and reliable Internet.

“The GAO report offers an opportunity to assess how we measure network performance,” said Deb Socia, Executive Director of Next Century Cities. “If we are truly committed to ensuring access to fast, affordable, and reliable broadband Internet, we need to think seriously about how we measure speed, cost, and reliability, and how we communicate this information to consumers.”

In support of this effort to provide clarity and transparency in the provision of broadband services, Boston joined other member communities, including Syracuse, N.Y., New Haven, Conn., Roanoke, Va., and Hagerstown, Md., in writing the FCC, saying:

“Efforts to develop this core infrastructure are impeded when our citizens are unable to accurately gauge the quality and speed of their Internet…As broadband Internet becomes increasingly critical to the well-being of towns and cities across the country, being able to reliably measure and compare network performance will help to ensure that we, as elected leaders, are delivering the essential infrastructure our communities need."