Baker-Polito Administration Awards Almost $3 Million in Grants to Help Farms Mitigate Impacts of Climate Change

 

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Almost $3 Million in Grants to Help Farms Mitigate Impacts of Climate Change

 

west spRINGFIELD — As part of Climate Week in Massachusetts, the Baker-Polito Administration today announced over $2.9 million in grants distributed by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) to help local farms across the Commonwealth implement climate change mitigation strategies and solutions. The awards will support 84 farms, municipalities, and other organizations through five different MDAR grant programs, including the Climate Smart Agriculture Program (CSAP), the Stewardship Assistance and Restoration Program (SARA), the Agricultural Compost Improvement Program (ACIP), the Urban Agriculture Program, and the Buy Local Grant Program. To highlight the grants, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides joined MDAR Commissioner John Lebeaux at the Big E on Thursday for a tour of the Massachusetts Building.

 

“Mitigating the impacts of climate change requires a holistic approach, which includes ensuring farms are able to implement innovative and resilient strategies to operate and avoid disruptions to Massachusetts food distribution channels,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “As we address the impacts of climate change, this funding will help to protect Massachusetts farms from some of the unpredictability that extreme weather and storms can bring.”

 

“Fostering strong partnerships with farms and other organizations continues to be a focus of our Administration, and we are excited to see the practices being adopted through these projects that will help meet the state’s climate goals,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “These grant programs for the Massachusetts agricultural sector serves as another example of our efforts in addressing greenhouse gas emissions and making farming operations sustainable for the future.”

 

The $2.9 million in funding will go towards addressing several climate change projects, such as:

• Agricultural environmental enhancement;
• Agricultural energy efficiencies;
• Farmland preservation;
• Improvements to soil health;
• Urban livestock management;
• Urban farm enhancements;
• Carbon sequestration;
• The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; and,
• The reduction of food miles through purchasing locally grown produce.

 

“Building a robust food system in Massachusetts requires smart investments to help our local farms and agricultural sector become more resilient to the impacts of climate change,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “These grants will advance sustainable practices and help our family farms access new local markets, steward their land and natural resources, and prepare for the future.”

 

“The Baker-Polito Administration is excited to continue funding projects through these agricultural programs to help address farmers’ needs for the future as they continue to address a changing climate.” said Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner John Lebeaux. “The goal of the grant programs we are able to provide funding through is to position farmers with opportunities to better manage their operations during a time of increased climate variability.”

 

“Every year the weather and climate in Massachusetts reaches new extremes from the coast all the way into the far reaches of Western Massachusetts,” said State Senator Adam Gomez (D-Springfield). “These grants allow communities across the State to better prepare for climate change through mitigation and preparation efforts. The climate will not adjust to us, we have to make a concerted effort to be both environmentally friendly and aware while ensuring we are prepared for what comes next.”

 

“The funding made available through these grants increase food security, battle climate change, and protect local food systems,” said State Representative Carole Fiola (D-Fall River). “These grants enable farms and the agricultural sector to make the necessary changes needed to make operations more environmentally friendly and to bolster our local agricultural economy.”

 

“West Springfield is home to the largest agricultural fair in New England and showcases the importance of farmers and the impact they have on this regional economy,” said State Representative Michael Finn (D-West Springfield). “I am delighted to see the state stepping up for this industry as it is significantly impacted by climate change.”

 

“Our food system is already feeling the impacts of accelerating global climate change, and those impacts will only get more significant over time,” said Representative Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston). “Giving our local farmers the resources they need to plan for the future and respond to the challenges of the present will ensure that our agriculture economy remains resilient and vibrant in the years and decades to come.”

 

The following organizations will receive funding from the five grant programs during FY22:

 

Organization	City	County	Award	Project Type
FY22 Climate Smart Agriculture Program (CSAP): Part 1-Adaption & Mitigation
Antes Farm	Conway	Franklin County	$16,000.00	No-Till Drill
Bay-Breeze, Inc.	Westport	Bristol County	$18,000.00	(2) 4 Stroke-Engines
Bree-Z-Knoll Farm, LLC	Leyden	Franklin County	$50,000.00	Dairy Barn Modifications - Fans, Side-Wall Curtains, Waterers
Bridgmont Farm	Westhampton	Hampshire County	$31,520.00	No-Till Drill
Brookfield Farm	Amherst	Hampshire County	$11,638.00	Well; Irrigation
Davidian's Farm Market, LLC	Northborough	Worcester County	$30,800.00	No-Till Drill
Edgewood Bogs, LLC	Carver	Plymouth County	$20,750.00	(9) Automated Irrigation Systems
Fletcher Farm	Southampton	Hampshire County	$25,920.00	Manure Spreader
Foxtrot Farm, LLC	Shelburne Falls	Franklin County	$29,200.00	Riparian Buffer with Perennial Crops
Gianetti's U-Pick Blueberries	Franklin	Norfolk County	$25,400.00	Drip Irrigation
Great Falls Aquaculture, LLC	Turners Falls	Franklin County	$50,000.00	Nitrate Reduction System
Hickory Lane Farm	North Brookfield	Worcester County	$18,240.00	No-Till Drill
Idyllvale Farm	Littleton	Middlesex County	$25,400.00	No-Till Drill
Johnny Putt Farm	Littleton	Middlesex County	$1,335.00	Small Scale No-Till Equipment
Krochmal Farms, LLC	Tewksbury	Middlesex County	$50,000.00	No-Till Drill
Littleton Community Farm, LLC	Littleton	Middlesex County	$3,120.00	BCS Spreader/Chipper
Magical Plants	Huntington	Hampshire County	$5,719.00	Irrigation; Flame Weeder; Power Harrow
Mayval Farm	Westhampton	Hampshire County	$36,300.00	Manure Spreader
Medway Community Farm, Inc.	Medway	Norfolk County	$21,519.00	Irrigation
Mills River Cranberry Co.	Marstons Mills	Barnstable County	$40,700.00	Flood Pump
New Entry Sustainable Farming Project	Boston	Suffolk County	$28,000.00	Field Drainage
Newton Community Farm, Inc.	Newton	Middlesex County	$7,670.00	Roller Crimper; Moveable High Tunnel; Vacuum Seeder; Push Seeder; Transplanter
Ogonowski Farm	Dracut	Middlesex County	$48,130.00	Roller-Crimper; Field Drainage
Pomeroy Farm, LLC	Westfield	Hampden County	$32,960.00	No-Till Drill
Rock Village Farm, LLC	Middleboro	Plymouth County	$50,000.00	Tailwater Recovery Pump
Tangerini Farm, LLC	Millis	Norfolk County	$28,320.00	Compost Spreader
Two Mamas Farm	Cummington	Hampshire County	$18,929.00	Expansion of Maple Operation
Vollinger Farm	Haydenville	Hampshire County	$46,530.00	Manure Storage
Walnut Lane, LLC	Dudley	Worcester County	$41,500.00	Well;Waterers
Webster Cranberry, LLC	Norwell	Plymouth County	$11,200.00	(2) Automated Irrigation Systems
William J. Morrison Cranberries	Middleboro	Plymouth County	$25,200.00	Irrigation pump; automated irrigation
FY22 Climate Smart Agriculture Program (CSAP): Part 2: Energy
Chase Hill Farm	Warwick	Franklin County	$49,500.00	12.6kW Ground Mounted Photovoltaic System w/Battery Backup
Elliot Farm, LLC	Lakeville	Plymouth County	$44,890.00	20.16kW Roof Mounted Photovoltaic System w/battery back-up
Little Leaf Farms, LLC	Devens	Middlesex County	$50,000.00	Variable Frequency Drive Air Cooled Chiller
Windy Hill Farm Sugarhouse	Worthington	Hampshire County	$21,345.00	Evaporator
Farmer Matt	New Braintree	Worcester County	$40,000.00	PV Expansion with Battery Back-up
Chestnut Mountain Tree Farm	Northampton	Hampshire County	$4,000.00	Evaporator
Medway Community Farm, Inc.	Medway	Norfolk County	$40,576.00	22.1kW Ground Mounted Photovoltaic System
Newton Community Farm, Inc.	Newton	Middlesex County	$49,340.00	10.1kW Roof Mounted Photovoltaic System with battery back up
Sweet Morning Farm, LLC	Leyden	Franklin County	$22,809.00	8.16kW Tracking Photovoltaic System
Greenagers, Inc.	South Egremont	Berkshire County	$49,460.00	12.77kW Roof Mounted Photovoltaic System/ battery backup; Root Zone Heating
Farmer Daves, LLC	Dracut	Middlesex County	$49,142.00	Electric Irrigation Pump
The Kitchen Garden, LLC	Sunderland	Franklin County	$40,000.00	15.3kW Roof Mounted Photovoltaic System w/Battery Back-up
Moors End Farm, LLC	Nantucket	Nantucket County	$50,000.00	32.64kW Roof Mounted Photovoltaic System
William J. Gould Associates, Inc.	Monterey	Berkshire County	$40,173.00	Dairy Creamery EE Improvements
North Hadley Sugar Shack, LLC	Hadley	Hampshire County	$43,680.00	Commercial Freezer
Four Town Farm, Inc.	Seekonk	Bristol County	$9,400.00	13.6kW Ground Mounted Photovoltaic System
We Grow Microgreens, LLC	Roslindale	Suffolk County	$47,140.00	Ground Fridges
Ogonowski Family Farm	Dracut	Middlesex County	$20,560.00	Battery Storage for Mobile Refrigeration
Rising Star Equestrian Center	Medway	Norfolk County	$40,000.00	15.84kW Roof Mounted Photovoltaic System
Valley View Farm	Topsfield	Essex County	$18,995.00	Bulk Tank; HVAC & Freezer Replacement
M. Huberman, Inc.	Saugus	Essex County	$18,990.00	Re-Glazing Greenhouse
FY22 Stewardship Assistance and Restoration Program (SARA)
Grindstone Mountain Farm	Southampton	Hampshire County	$22,780.00	Repair drainage to correct erosion & flooding, reseed fields
Hughes	Oakham	Worcester County	$35,000.00	Reclaim field edges
Jackson Realty Trust	Leominster	Worcester County	$34,212.50	Reclaim field edges & abandoned field
Low Places Ranch LLC	Lunenburg	Worcester County	$24,281.95	Reclaim field edges
Pine Hill Orchards	Colrain	Franklin County	$16,160.00	Repair storm damaged farm roads & drainage
Gidley Farm	Dartmouth	Bristol County	$12,580.00	Reclaim field edges, repair field access
Fletcher Farm	Southampton	Hampshire County	$35,000.00	Drainage and erosion control system to restore hay land
FY22 Agricultural Composting Improvement Program (ACIP)
Grey Barn Farm Enterprises Farm	Chilmark	Dukes County	$51,375	Grey Barn Farm Enterprises Farm will use this award towards the purchase of a compost windrow turner and windrow covers.
Olde Dartmouth Farm	South Dartmouth	Bristol County	$24,000	Olde Dartmouth Farm will use this award for the purchase of a compost spreader.
Churchill Stables	Bedford	Middlesex County	$27,771	Churchill Stables will use this award for the purchase of a compost windrow turner, windrow cover, and a compost pad.
Copicut Farms LLC	North Dartmouth	Bristol County	$11,610	Copicut Farms, LLC will use this award for the purchase of compost screening equipment, bagger, and compost pad.
Mycoterra Farm	South Deerfield	Franklin County	$70,000	Mycoterra Farm will use this award for the purchase of an in-vessel composting system.
FY22 Urban Agriculture Grant
Just Roots	Greenfield	Franklin County	$42,512	This award will be applied to year-round production infrastructure improvements to increase capacity. The completed project will provide greater equitable food access to low-income constituents.
Urban Farming Institute	Boston	Suffolk County	$6981.65	The award will be used for improving efficiencies on UFI's five farm sites, purchase of specific tools for pest management and production, as well as soil amendments, which will result in increased production.
Wellesley College	Wellesley	Norfolk County	$6,194	Wellesley College's Environmental Geochemistry Lab will partner with two local, nonprofit farms to pilot a study aimed at reducing the burden of fugitive lead in compost. The results from this study have the potential to address high lead soil in urban settings and beyond.
We Grow Microgreens	Boston	Suffolk County	$50,000	Funding will be utilized for the production expansion of the site (materials and labor), including the season extension infrastructure for the farm.
Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation	Boston	Suffolk County	$28,275	The award will be utilized to expand production space with the purchase of materials, site clearing, and provide operational improvements for their growing farm site.
The Food Project	Boston	Suffolk County	$25,041	The Food Project will build multi-season farmers' market, expanding their direct sales and creating new selling opportunities for other farmers during the Spring and Winter seasons.
Charlestown Sprouts	Charlestown	Suffolk County	$15,000	Funding will be utilized for much needed soil and soil amendments, as well as compost tumblers.
City of Salem	Salem	Essex County	$11,940	The City of Salem and partner organizations will utilize the funding for infrastructure improvements at Mack Park Farm. They will purchase a walk-in cooler and shelving as well as a water catchment system.
Groundwork Southcoast	New Bedford	Bristol County	$14,486	This organization will use funding for the continued expansion of its recently established community garden. The build out will provide growing plots for 100 families once complete.
City of Melrose	Melrose	Middlesex County	$9,607	The City of Melrose will use this award to build on its successful expansion efforts, providing much needed growing space for Melrose residents.
FY22 Buy Local Grant
Berkshire Grown	Great Barrington	Berkshire County	$90,528.73	Support the Berkshire Grown Winter Farmers Markets, provide technical assistance for SNAP/ HIP vendors and shoppers, and facilitate farmer-to-farmer mentoring support.
Buy Fresh Buy Local Cape Cod	Barnstable	Barnstable County	$99,996.84	In collaboration with Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and multiple partners, BFBLCC will promote locally grown land and sea products that enhance the local food system, its farmers, and farmers’ markets, and address the critical need of demographic groups experiencing food insecurity.
Central Mass Grown	Worcester	Worcester County	$98,816.00	Will execute four programs in support of the agricultural community of Worcester County.  Each project will strengthen the growing ‘Buy Local’ movement and increase cash sales of our farmers while furthering several of the initiatives within the Local Food Action Plan.
CISA	South Deerfield	Franklin County	$100,000.00	Marketing that will highlight shopping at local farms through paid advertising, videos, articles, and social media; offering a toolkit to help farms better market themselves; and supporting farms by showcasing how local farms work together to support the local economy.
Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society	West Tisbury	Dukes County	$37,901.00	MVAS will assist in expanding the market for local farmers and advance islanders and visitor’s knowledge of the importance of agriculture to economy of Martha's Vineyard. Will expand and enhance marketing for all local farms and farms stands including aquaculture farms and the West Tisbury Farmer's Market that have had a difficult year due to the pandemic.
Northeast Harvest	Topsfield	Essex County	$97,978.00	Will promote, support, and strengthen local agriculture in the following ways: print local food guide, print pick-your-own pocket brochures/cards, purchase branded paper bags, enhance information about fish and seafood, outreach, and support for the Buy Local State-wide Mobile App, continue social media, and host annual agricultural conference.
Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership	South Dartmouth	Bristol County	$99,041.80	Work with partners to increase promotion of local farms, support livestock production, promote and support local fiber farms, promote local agricultural farms and festivals, and regional aquaculture production.  This grant will also support education and technical assistance for regional farmers with a focus on established wholesale farmers and continue to promote and support farms and farmers markets accepting HIP/SNAP and FMNP coupons.
Sustainable Business Network	Cambridge	Middlesex County	$70,791.00	Will increase sales, raise awareness of locally grown and produced foods in MA and New England states and increase the collaboration between the Buy Local organizations and other key players in the local food movement. The program features the promotion and management of the Eat Local MA mobile app, the Boston Local Food Festival, and the Massachusetts Eat local Month campaign.
Sustainable Cape	Truro	Barnstable County	$43,387.00	The overarching goal of the ‘Harvester Highlights – Buy Direct!’ campaign is to increase direct to consumer sales for Barnstable County farmers and fishermen via a comprehensive community initiative to share information on local food access via a broad consortium of regional partners while strengthening our Farmers’ Market Coalition and individual farmers markets’ ability to accept nutrition incentives.

 

During this year’s Climate Week in Massachusetts, the Baker-Polito Administration is highlighting its commitment to reducing emissions, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and building a more resilient Commonwealth. Throughout Climate Week, the Administration is holding events to spotlight important initiatives including offshore wind, land protection and conservation, the Greening the Gateway Cities program, and the expansion of clean energy in the Commonwealth. The Administration is also highlighting the urgent demand for funding to support climate resiliency in Massachusetts, and Governor Baker’s plan to immediately put to use part of Commonwealth’s direct federal aid from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support critical priorities in cities and towns. The Administration’s plan would commit $900 million to key energy and environmental initiatives, including $700 million to support water infrastructure upgrades and climate resiliency, and $100 million to invest in port infrastructure to support the offshore wind industry.

 

On March 26, 2021, Governor Baker signed comprehensive climate change legislation that enshrined the Administration’s target of Net Zero emissions by 2050 into law, significantly increased protections for Environmental Justice communities across Massachusetts, and authorized the Commonwealth to procure an additional 2,400 Megawatts (MW) of clean, reliable offshore wind energy by 2027. In September 2016, Governor Baker signed Executive Order 569 which lays out a comprehensive approach to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard residents, municipalities and businesses from the impacts of climate change, and build a more resilient Commonwealth. In April 2021, the Administration announced it had achieved its goal of investing $1 billion in climate change mitigation in adaptation since 2015 through programs like the nation-leading Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program, which has now enrolled 93 percent of cities and towns in Massachusetts.

Charlie Baker reports state effort on planting 30,000 trees

Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates 30,000^th Greening the Gateway Cities Program Tree Planting

$245,000 Awarded to Support Local Tree Planting Efforts

 Governor Baker, EEA Secretary Theoharides, DCR Commissioner Montgomery, and state and local officials celebrated in Westfield to plant the 30,000th tree supported by the Greening the Gateway Cities Program.

Westfield – As part of the Baker-Polito Administration’s celebration of Climate Week in Massachusetts, Governor Charlie Baker today joined Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides and state and local officials to plant the milestone 30,000^th tree through the Commonwealth’s Greening the Gateway Cities Program in the City of Westfield’s General Shepard Park. Additionally, the Administration announced the award of $245,000 in grants to 14 municipalities and non-profit organizations through the program that will support broader tree planting efforts and build the capacity and partnerships needed to make communities more resilient to climate change. 

“The planting of 30,000 trees by the Greening the Gateway Cities Program serves as a great example of what can be achieved when state government, municipalities, and dedicated non-profit organizations work together on behalf of the public,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This kind of collaboration is more important than ever as we work to address climate change and the increasing heat and storm intensity that comes with it, which is why our Administration has proposed a significant investment in climate resiliency and open space through our federal ARPA spending proposal.”

 “Through this longstanding, successful program, we are expanding green space and improving public health in our underserved communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The grants awarded today will help our communities generate local interest and develop a network of community volunteers that will help us pursue a significant expansion of tree canopy that will directly benefit the public now and well into the future.”

The Administration awarded grants to seven non-profit organizations to conduct resident outreach and promote awareness of the program, and seven municipalities to help their public works departments collaborate with the tree planting program.

“As climate change leads to longer and more intense heat waves, programs like Greening the Gateway Cities help us address the urban heat island effect by expanding tree canopy that cleans our air, provides cooling and shade, and makes our neighborhoods more beautiful,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “The Baker-Polito Administration has supported a significant expansion of this successful program since coming into office because it advances critical priorities that we share with our communities, including environmental justice, equity, and using nature-based solutions to make our Gateway Cities more resilient to the impacts of climate change.”

The Greening the Gateway Cities Program (GGCP) is a partnership between the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Urban & Community Forestry Program, the Department of Energy Resources (DOER), and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), along with Gateway Cities and local grassroots organizations. Notably, the program utilizes trees to cool neighborhoods and reduce the “urban heat island” effect where large areas of pavement cause significantly hotter living conditions. The tree plantings are also focused within Environmental Justice neighborhoods – areas with over 25% of residents who are low income, minority, or non-English speaking.

DCR foresters work with neighborhood non-profit organizations to help with outreach and community support. Extensive tree planting in local neighborhoods addresses climate justice by giving residents the same access to cool greenspace and shade as other communities. The program also strives to reduce energy use by shading and sheltering neighborhoods and to reduce flooding by soaking up stormwater.

“The Baker-Polito Administration continues to make investments in our state’s natural resources by promoting the Greening the Gateway Cities Program,” said Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Jim Montgomery. “More trees across the Commonwealth will improve the air we breathe, reduce energy consumption, and beautify our neighborhoods.”

Through the Greening the Gateway Cities Program, the state will invest $5 million over the next year in state capital and energy efficiency funds to plant about 8,000 trees averaging six feet in height within fourteen gateway cities. The program will not only produce energy savings, but will also benefit the local economy and create jobs by hiring foresters and tree planting crews from the cities where planting takes place. The program trains crews in proper tree planting and care and many employees find permanent work in the landscaping industry.  The GGCP is expected to yield more than twice the investment made by the Administration in energy cost saving for residents and businesses as the trees mature.

“On behalf of the people of Westfield I would like to thank the Baker Administration, Secretary Theoharides and Commissioner Montgomery for their dedication to greening our older communities,” said Westfield Mayor Don Humason. “I’d like to congratulate the Commonwealth on this important milestone of 30,000 trees planted as part of the Greening the Gateway Cities program. Westfield is proud of its yearly designation as a Tree City and delighted to be a part of this vibrant program.”

“The Greening the Gateway Cities Program has brought new trees and enormous benefits to urban residential areas across our entire Commonwealth,” said State Senator John Velis (D-Westfield). “With increased tree canopy cover, communities like Westfield can reduce household heating and cooling energy use and can provide cleaner air, water, and an overall better quality of life for residents. General Shepard Park and our entire Westfield community will benefit from the trees being planted today for years to come.”

“The trees in our city are such a great asset, and I'm thankful that we’re able to bring in more green to brighten up the community,” said State Representative Kelly Pease (R-Westfield).

With a defined goal to increase the urban tree canopy to 5-10 percent in select neighborhoods in each Gateway City, the program is expected to reduce heating and cooling costs by approximately $230 a year for an average household once the trees reach maturity. To date, the program has planted almost 30,000 trees in 18 Gateway Cities – the equivalent of adding 550 acres, or nearly one square mile, of new forest to these cities. Residents who sign-up for the GGCP will be provided planted trees at no cost as long as they commit to watering the trees for two years. 

The seven municipalities and seven non-profits receiving awards are:

Grant Awardees: FY22 Greening the Gateway Cities Municipal Grant Program

Municipality	Project Name	Project Description	Total Grant Request
Chelsea	Public Tree Planting Support	Installation of catch basin tree pits to mitigate stormwater runoff.	$20,000
Fall River	Public Tree Planting Support	Preparing street tree belt sites for new plantings by removing pavement and stumps, adding soil and mulch.	$20,000
Leominster	Public Tree Planting Support	Preparing street tree belt sites for new plantings by removing pavement and stumps, adding soil and mulch; Watering recently planted trees and restoring vacant lots to prepare for tree planting.	$20,000
Lowell	Public Tree Planting Support	Preparing street tree belt sites for new plantings by removing pavement and stumps, adding soil and mulch; Watering recently planted trees.	$20,000
Lynn	Public Tree Planting Support	Preparing street tree belt sites for new plantings by removing pavement and stumps, adding soil and mulch; Watering recently planted trees.	$20,000
Salem	Public Tree Planting Support	Preparing street tree belt sites for new plantings by removing pavement and stumps, adding soil and mulch; Watering recently planted trees.	$20,000
Westfield	Public Tree Planting Support	Preparing street tree belt sites for new plantings by removing pavement and stumps, adding soil and mulch; Watering recently planted trees.	$20,000
Total			$140,000

Grant Awardees: FY2022 Greening the Gateway Cities Non-Profit Grant Program

NGO	Project Name	Project Description	Total Grant Request
Fall River Street Tree Planting Program	Outreach, Tree Education and Care	Conduct outreach and distribute GGCP materials to residents in the planting zone; conduct tree education and care programs with residents, train tree stewards and ambassadors.	$15,000
Groundwork Lawrence - Haverhill	Outreach, Tree Education and Care	Conduct outreach and distribute GGCP materials to residents in the planting zone; conduct tree education and care programs with residents, train tree stewards and ambassadors.	$15,000
Growing Places - Leominster	Outreach, Tree Education and Care	Conduct outreach and distribute GGCP materials to residents in the planting zone; conduct tree education and care programs with residents, train tree stewards and ambassadors and restore vacant lots to prepare for tree planting.	$15,000
Growing Places - Fitchburg	Outreach, Tree Education and Care	Conduct outreach and distribute GGCP materials to residents in the planting zone; conduct tree education and care programs with residents, train tree stewards and ambassadors.	$15,000
Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust	Outreach, Tree Education and Care	Conduct outreach and distribute GGCP materials to residents in the planting zone; conduct tree education and care programs with residents, train tree stewards and ambassadors.	$15,000
Salem Sound Coastwatch	Outreach, Tree Education and Care	Conduct outreach and distribute GGCP materials to residents in the planting zone; conduct tree education and care programs with residents, train tree stewards and ambassadors.	$15,000
Valley Opportunities Council - Chicopee	Outreach, Tree Education and Care	Conduct outreach and distribute GGCP materials to residents in the planting zone; conduct tree education and care programs with residents, train tree stewards and ambassadors.	$15,000
Total			$105,000

During this year’s Climate Week in Massachusetts, the Baker-Polito Administration is highlighting its commitment to reducing emissions, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and building a more resilient Commonwealth. Throughout Climate Week, the Administration is holding events to spotlight important initiatives including offshore wind, land protection and conservation, the Greening the Gateway Cities program, and the expansion of clean energy in the Commonwealth. The Administration is also highlighting the urgent demand for funding to support climate resiliency in Massachusetts, and Governor Baker’s plan to immediately put to use part of Commonwealth’s direct federal aid from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support critical priorities in cities and towns. The Administration’s plan would commit $900 million to key energy and environmental initiatives, including $700 million to support water infrastructure upgrades and climate resiliency, and $100 million to invest in port infrastructure to support the offshore wind industry.

On March 26, 2021, Governor Baker signed comprehensive climate change legislation that enshrined the Administration’s target of Net Zero emissions by 2050 into law, significantly increased protections for Environmental Justice communities across Massachusetts, and authorized the Commonwealth to procure an additional 2,400 Megawatts (MW) of clean, reliable offshore wind energy by 2027. In September 2016, Governor Baker signed Executive Order 569 which lays out a comprehensive approach to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard residents, municipalities and businesses from the impacts of climate change, and build a more resilient Commonwealth. In April 2021, the Administration announced it had achieved its goal of investing $1 billion in climate change mitigation in adaptation since 2015 through programs like the nation-leading Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program, which has now enrolled 93 percent of cities and towns in Massachusetts.

波士頓市徵13-18歲青年桂冠詩人 11月14日截止

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES SEARCH FOR BOSTON’S NEXT YOUTH POET LAUREATE

 

BOSTON - Thursday, September 23, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey and the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the Boston Public Library, today announced applications are open for Boston’s next Youth Poet Laureate. Interested youth ages 13-18 can apply here until November 14, 2021 at 5 p.m. “This program fosters joy, resilience and uplifts youth voices throughout the City,” said Mayor Janey. “Thank you to Alondra for your inspiring work during a challenging two years. I look forward to showcasing the talents of the next Youth Poet Laureate.” The Boston Youth Poet Laureate program (BYPL) was created in cooperation with the national youth literary organization, Urban Word, local youth literary leaders, the Boston Public Library, MassLEAP, and 826 Boston to promote appreciation for poetry. Similar to the Poet Laureate's civic challenge, the Youth Poet Laureate is tasked with inspiring deeper engagement in the written and spoken word.    “It is imperative that we invest and encourage young folks in our city to express themselves via the arts,” said Boston Poet Laureate Porsha Olayiwola. “The goal of Boston's Youth Poet Laureate program is not to inspire one young writer, but to uplift many with the craft of poetry. As a writer who began writing poems as a young person, I know how imperative it is to invest in a community of writers who will grow to shape and lead this city.” Like the City’s Poet Laureate, the Youth Poet Laureate will act as an advocate for poetry, language and the arts, and create a unique artistic legacy through public readings and civic events. They will also attend a variety of civic functions, participate in poetry events, and oversee special civic projects.  The City announced Alondra Bobadilla of Hyde Park as Boston’s inaugural Youth Poet Laureate in January 2020, and since then she has participated in numerous readings and events throughout the City. She recently published her first collection of poetry, With Clipped Wings, and she is attending UMass Boston this fall. “In the past two years, I have had the humbling opportunity and the honor to begin a legacy,” said Boston Youth Poet Laureate Alondra Bobadilla. “I hope the next Youth Poet Laureate does not simply build upon the connections that were formed with various branches of the community through my time in the role, but that they propel forward their own contributions to the greater vision behind the program; advocating for poetry and the literary arts, advocating for the community through these mediums, and expanding the accessibility of this art form to all in the City of Boston.” The mission for the youth laureateship is to raise the status of poetry in the everyday consciousness of Bostonians. The Youth Poet Laureate is a ceremonial and not a political appointment, and is intended to be a significant fixture in Boston's cultural and artistic arena.  Applicants must be 13-18 years old, and must have lived in the City of Boston for at least one year prior to their nomination. The City is seeking someone who has a strong commitment to their community, and is enthusiastic about presenting their work to the public.  The Youth Poet Laureate will serve a minimum term of two years, with the potential to serve up to four years. They will receive a $2,000 honorarium each year, as well as mentorship from Boston’s Poet Laureate. They will also publish their own collection of poetry. “We’re excited to continue working with a Youth Poet Laureate to raise awareness of the power of the arts, and to increase youth participation in the arts throughout each neighborhood of the city,” said Kara Elliott-Ortega, Chief of Arts and Culture.  A selection panel will review applications and identify final candidates for interviews. The Youth Poet Laureate will be announced at a finalist showcase on January 15, 2022 at the Central Branch of the Boston Public Library.  More information about the Youth Poet Laureate program can be found here, and interested youth poets can apply here.

波士頓和瑞維爾(Revere)兩市爆"美沙酮"口水戰

            (Boston Orange周菊子綜合報導) 波士頓市有意在瑞維爾(Revere)市的品質客棧酒店(Quality Inn Hotel)安置30名流浪漢，瑞維爾市長發信批評既無組織，又乏溝通，他非常擔心，波士頓代市長發聲明，稱”拒絕”不是解決問題的辦法。

             波士頓市的麻州大道和Melnea Cass大道交界處，有個區塊被人稱為「美沙酮里 (Methadone Mile)」，在新冠病毒(COVID-19)疫情爆發後，情況更為惡劣，整條街上露營帳篷櫛比鱗次，來往人們幾乎全都頭髮凌亂，衣衫不整或步履蹣跚。在今年的波士頓市長選舉論壇中，這地段該怎麼處理，也成為必談話題。

             瑞維爾市長Brian Arrigo的一封批評信，波士頓代市長Kim Janey今(22)日下午5點發出的一份聲明，引來更多關注。

             事件起因似乎是波士頓市公共衛生局(Boston Public Health Commission)和「艾略特(Eliot)社區人民服務」這機構訂出計畫，要安置30名流浪漢，並和瑞維爾市長，以及其市府團隊商討了3個星期。

             瑞維爾市長Brian Arrigo卻指波士頓市混亂，缺乏溝通，發信表示，「當波士頓公共衛生局認為，把瑞維爾市位於Morris街100號的品質客棧酒店改成流浪漢過渡中心，以解決美沙酮里的災難是”區域性”計畫的這種情況下，我對波士頓公共衛生局的運作，溝通及問責辦法，或者缺乏辦法，感到很失望。我對虛假訊息的混亂本質感到非常擔心，對波士頓公共衛生委員會的週到執行這麼重要的區域性公共議題完全失去信心」。

             Brian Arrigo說，「在完全沒有預先通知之下，我們被品質客棧酒店將立即成為有150床以上的流浪漢過渡中心這消息嚇到了。到現在這個節點上，我甚至不知道波士頓公共衛生委員會考量要在品質客棧用多少張床。過去這3星期，關於這一合作，我們被不同部門告知不同數目。我聽過156，30，60，以及160這些數目，但我還沒有收到任何書面文件。簡單的說，波士頓公共衛生委員會關於這事的混亂程度，令人驚駭。

             Kim Janey今日傍晚發出的聲明指波士頓市在處理濫用毒品等議題上，一向走在前頭，作為新英格蘭地區最大城市，也建有更大的安全網。大家都知道，波士頓所服務的這些人中，有60%來自其他城市，為協助人們在更接近他們稱之為家的地方得到所需服務，波士頓市需要其他市鎮加把勁。

             反對波士頓市的提案，意味著反對30人有個可以稱之為加的地方，意味著在這30人最需要服務的時候否決它。

             那些說需要把這事當作區域問題來處理，卻未能在他們自己市鎮承擔責任的地方領袖，可能是要說起來好聽，但那不能解決問題。

             Kim Janey在聲明中說，「我們需要一起支持我們的朋友，家人，鄰居，來對抗濫用毒品。我要感謝所有已這樣做的市鎮，而且我希望瑞維爾也會加入那行列」。

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR KIM JANEY ON THE OPIOID CRISIS RESPONSE

 

BOSTON - Wednesday, September 22, 2021 - Substance use disorder is a national crisis. It is one that Boston is proud to lead on.  As the largest city in New England, we have appropriately built an even larger safety net, assisting those cities and towns who have not made similar commitments to support their residents. We will not back away from this moral obligation, but Boston must have strong partners throughout the Commonwealth to tackle this crisis.   We know that well over 60% of the people we serve come from outside of Boston. To help provide services closer to the places that people call home, we need other cities and towns to step up.  This includes Revere. The Boston Public Health Commission has built a thoughtful plan with Eliot Community Human Services, an experienced public health provider, to provide needed housing for 30 individuals who have been homeless. For the last three weeks, staff from the Boston Public Health Commission and Eliot Community Human Services have met with Mayor Arrigo and his team. They have reviewed plans and followed up on requests.   Standing against this proposal means standing against 30 people having a place to call home. It means denying 30 people the health care they deserve at a time they need it most.   Municipal leaders who say that we need to do this work as a region but who fail to take responsibility in their own city or town may be making a good sound bite. But, it does not solve the problem.   We need to stand up together to support our friends, family members and neighbors battling substance use disorder. I want to thank all the cities and towns who have already done so, and I hope Revere is willing to join that list.

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES OLD SCHOOL R&B NIGHT TO BE HELD TOMORROW

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES OLD SCHOOL R&B NIGHT TO BE HELD TOMORROW This dance-filled celebration of R&B from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s is free and open to all.

 

BOSTON - Wednesday, September 22, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey and the Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment will host Old School R&B Night on Thursday, September 23 on Copley Square. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public and will take place between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Also at Old School R&B Night, the Black Boston COVID-19 Coalition, in partnership with Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center, will be hosting a COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinic.  Music will be provided by Maverik — Recording Artist and Boston Red Sox Official DJ — and DJ Vince 1. Guests will be able to dance the night away to R&B hits from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s in a fun atmosphere.  “The joy of music is an important part of the recovery, reopening and renewal of our communities. I’m pleased to introduce the City of Boston’s first ever Old School R&B Night,” said Mayor Janey. “I look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to Copley Square for this fun, free, family-friendly event.”  "I couldn't be more excited to be spinning and hosting at the Mayor's R&B night. The fact that it's the first one ever… what an honor!” said Maverik. “R&B is the kind of music you can't help but sing along to. It touches everybody from all walks of life. I look forward to seeing the city come out and celebrate life! This is a major event for Boston and I hope it will be for years to come."  For more summer events hosted by the City, follow the Mayor’s Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment on social media @VisitBostonCity and visit boston.gov/visiting-boston.  This is an entirely outdoor, open-air event. It is encouraged, but not required, to wear masks. Hand sanitizer will be available on-site. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are still at high-risk of spreading COVID-19. If you are not fully vaccinated, you should avoid large social gatherings. If you do plan to attend, avoid congested areas, wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth, and maintain six feet of physical distance as much as possible. To get vaccinated, find a location near you on boston.gov/coronavirus.

MAYOR JANEY SIGNS ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING BLACK MEN AND BOYS COMMISSION

MAYOR JANEY SIGNS ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING BLACK MEN AND BOYS COMMISSION

 

 

BOSTON - Wednesday, September 22, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey today joined Boston City Councilor At-Large Julia Mejia and local advocates for an ordinance signing ceremony establishing Boston’s first Black Men and Boys Commission. With its passage, the Commission will be made up of 21 Black men and boys who will advise the Mayor on issues specific to that group. The Commission is charged with addressing concerns related to national origin; sexual orientation and gender identity; mental, physical and sexual health; violence prevention; and employment.  “The Black men gathered for today’s historic signing are proof of the desire for Black communities to lead and be fully present in Boston’s civic and electoral spaces. Black men and boys deserve dedicated advocacy to address health equity, economic opportunity and other disparities in our City,” said Mayor Janey. “As the first Black Mayor of Boston, I know representation matters. It was my honor to sign this ordinance and I want to thank the work of Councilor Mejia, former-Councilor Jackson, and everyone who helped move this initiative forward.” “We have the opportunity to make history. This ordinance matters because Black men and boys matter,” said Councilor Mejia on Wednesday. “We have an obligation to create space to let people step into their power and let the people closest to the pain be closest to the power. This commission will create pathways for our city to address some of the most pressing inequities that impact Black men and boys in Boston, from violence to mental wellness to sexual health and more.” A commission dedicated to the issues of Black men and boys was first proposed in 2014 by former District 7 Boston City Councilor, Tito Jackson, who was recognized by Mayor Janey at today’s signing. The new ordinance sponsored by Councilor Mejia passed the Boston City Council on September 15, 2021. With the Mayor’s signature today, the Commission has been formally established. "I applaud Mayor Janey for her leadership in making the Commission on Black Men and Boys a reality,” said Jackson. “I proposed this legislation in 2014 because of the profound opportunity to uplift Black men and boys and create a platform for community leadership, advocacy and accountability.”  Once members are appointed, the Black Men and Boys Commission will work closely with the City’s the Equity and Inclusion Cabinet, Boston Public Schools and the Human Rights Commission. “We look forward to working closely with the Black Men and Boys Commission to ensure the City is proactively looking at policies and programs to eliminate the inequities in access and disparate outcomes that they face in our City,” said Celina Barrios-Millner, Chief of Equity and Inclusion.

Charting a New Course in U.S.-China Relations: A Conversation with Ambassador Qin Gang

 

中國大使秦剛

Charting a New Course in U.S.-China Relations: A Conversation with Ambassador Qin Gang

Description

This online dialogue with China's new ambassador to the United States of America Qin Gang is jointly organized by the Carter Center and the George H. W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations. Ambassador Qin arrived in Washington D.C. in late July and this is his first public conversation with American organizations and people who would like to see the bilateral relationship stabilized and improved. It is sponsored by many other organizations including the World Affairs Council of Atlanta, the National Association of Chinese Americans and the China Research Center of Atlanta.

Time

Sep 22, 2021 03:30 PM

State Representative Liz Miranda Endorses Michelle Wu for Mayor

State Representative Liz Miranda Endorses Michelle Wu for Mayor

Boston, MA— State Representative Liz Miranda (5th Suffolk District, Roxbury and Dorchester) endorsed Michelle Wu for Mayor today, growing Wu’s coalition just over one week after the preliminary election. Representative Miranda cited Michelle’s bold leadership and accountability to Boston’s communities.

“This moment will shape the future of Boston for years to come and calls on all of us to elect a Mayor who will lead for and with all of our neighborhoods in Boston, someone who is accountable to the people of Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, Hyde Park and communities of color from across the diaspora who call Boston home. I love our City of Boston, but this is our city too, our communities deserve and demand more.  We cannot wait another year for a comprehensive solution to the Mass & Cass crisis now, for improvements to Madison Park High and all of our public schools, good paying jobs or resources to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. I want us to stop just surviving, it’s time for us to thrive. As the Mayor who will be brave and bold, empowering us to dream bigger, expanding what is politically possible for the city we love, I know that Michelle Wu is the candidate we can trust on November 2nd,” said Representative Liz Miranda.  

"I’m honored and grateful to have the support of Representative Liz Miranda, a champion for justice and opportunity across our neighborhoods. Throughout her time in the State Legislature and before, her leadership has shifted what’s possible in Boston and beyond. I look forward to working in partnership with her to continue building community and ensure all our neighborhoods are healthy, safe, and connected,” said Michelle Wu.

Representative Miranda was elected in 2018 and serves on the Joint Committee(s) on Community Development and Small Businesses, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Veterans and Federal Affairs, and the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. In her first term, Representative Miranda has filed and passed legislation to reform policing and save black lives, improve racial disparities in maternal health, promote environmental justice within disproportionately impacted communities, and ensure a just recovery for micro-to-small businesses most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, she was the first legislator in the Commonwealth to establish a district-led community care program that assisted over 3,000 vulnerable residents in Roxbury and Dorchester with food security, housing assistance, unemployment assistance, and access to COVID-19 testing. As the daughter of Cabo Verdean immigrants, Representative Miranda has been a tireless advocate for the Safe Communities Act and the Work and Family Mobility Act, while leading the fight for an equitable recovery that includes BIPOC workers. 

Prior to serving in the Massachusetts Legislature, Representative Miranda was a non-profit administrator, community builder and organizer, which began as a teen living in the Dudley Street Neighborhood through the Nubian Roots Youth Committee, the DSNI Board, Mytown, Inc., the Orchard Garden’s Teen Center. In 2017, Representative Miranda lost her 28-year-old brother, Michael Miranda, to gun violence. After her decades long advocacy for gun violence prevention, losing her brother was a catalyst in her entrance to electoral politics. 

Representative Miranda’s endorsement continues to grow the Michelle for Mayor campaign’s coalition of grassroots supporters including leaders Senator Elizabeth Warren, Sheriff Steve Tompkins, Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards, Boston City Councilor Liz Breadon, State Senator and Assistant Majority Leader Sal DiDomenico, State Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz,State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader Mike Moran, State Representative and Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, State Senator Julian Cyr, Representatives Tram Nguyen, Tommy Vitolo, Natalie Higgins, Vanna Howard, Maria Robinson, Andy Vargas, and Sean Garballey; former State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader Byron Rushing; 1199SEIU United Healthcare workers union; labor unions Teamsters Local 25, New England Joint Board of UNITE HERE!, UAW Region 9A, Alliance of Unions at the MBTA, MBTA Inspectors Union Local 600, OPEIU Local 453; climate organizations Sunrise Boston, Sierra Club, the Environmental League of Massachusetts, 350 Mass Action; Progressive West Roxbury/Roslindale; Boston’s Ward 1, Ward 4 and Ward 5 Democratic Committees; The Boston Guardian; and fellow municipal elected officials from across Greater Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For all of Michelle for Boston’s endorsements, visit michelleforboston.com/endorsements.