麻州政府選擇Motorola Solutions提供公共安全無線電系統

 Baker-Polito Administration Selects Vendor for New Statewide Public Safety Radio System 

Multi-year project to modernize legacy public safety radio system will support enhanced communications for thousands of first responders across the Commonwealth 

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the selection of Motorola Solutions, Inc. as the winning bid of the competitive procurement process to replace the Commonwealth’s legacy statewide public safety radio system. The Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS), in coordination with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) and the Massachusetts State Police (MSP), has engaged Motorola Solutions to replace the current analog radio network with a new P-25 standards-based interoperable digital system that will offer enhanced communications capabilities through improved reliability, increased capacity and expanded coverage. 

 The radio system, known as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Interoperable Radio System (CoMIRS), is used by the State Police for their primary radio communications and by 245 local, regional and state public safety organizations. The multi-year project, managed by EOTSS’ Interoperable Communications Bureau (ICB), is expected to be completed in 2026 and is funded by  State 911 trust funds and capital funds authorized by the Legislature. 

 “Providing public safety and first responder personnel with the necessary equipment to facilitate reliable communications is essential to their ability to safely respond to an emergency situation,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This investment in the CoMIRS system will deliver public safety benefits to the Commonwealth for years to come.” 

 “Today’s announcement is an important step for investments in the Commonwealth’s public safety infrastructure,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Our administration will continue to prioritize investments in the modernization of legacy technology to ensure that the Commonwealth is meeting the needs of its constituents in the digital era.” 

 Effective and reliable interoperability, or the ability for different public safety agencies to communicate with each other when and where needed, is a critical component to enhancing the coordination and operations of public safety, first responder and emergency personnel in responding to critical incidents and natural disasters. There are approximately 30,000 radios active on the existing radio system. 

 The bid submitted by Motorola Solutions was selected based on several criteria, including seamless integration with partner systems and options for future expansions and added capacity to further leverage this system for the benefit of additional agencies and users. This will offer added flexibility as other organizations are potentially added to the modernized interoperable network. 

 The CoMIRS project will include several major recurring activities, including, but not limited to, environmental and interference studies, site infrastructure improvements, fleet mapping, radio system installation, radio replacements, system and coverage testing and user training. Improvements to site infrastructure will include the complete modernization and upgrade of 86 radio sites, including the installation of new electronic shelters, HVAC systems and generators. 

 “As a longtime public safety official and head of the lead technology agency of the Commonwealth, I know firsthand how valuable this investment into our public safety communications infrastructure is,” said Secretary of Technology Services and Security Curt Wood. “I appreciate the partnership of our public safety agencies and the support of our Administration to ensure we deliver on this important project.” 

 "In moments that require critical response, the Commonwealth’s public safety apparatus depends on technology that connects local, state and federal partners," said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. "We are grateful to Secretary Wood and his team at EOTSS for their partnership and commitment to ensuring a resilient, efficient and effective interoperability system. This project highlights the importance of embracing emerging technologies to enhance public safety and will deliver transformative improvements to the state’s emergency communications.”   

  “With the ongoing partnership of EOTSS and EOPSS to successfully implement CoMIRS, Massachusetts will remain a leader in public safety communications interoperability,” said Massachusetts Statewide Interoperability Coordinator Richard Fiske. “Thousands of first responders depend on this infrastructure to fulfill their mission to protect Massachusetts’ residents, property and resources. When complete, this mission critical radio system will offer expanded capacity and enhanced interoperability across our partner agencies for decades to come.” 

  “The statewide radio system is the backbone of State Police communications operations,” said Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police. “We use it continually to communicate both internally among our personnel and externally with our public safety partners across the state. Our Radio Team is working in conjunction with EOTSS to ensure that the CoMIRS+P25 modernization project will provide reliable, enhanced and critical emergency communications for the Department and the Commonwealth for years to come.” 

 “We appreciate the opportunity to expand our decades-long working relationship with Massachusetts State Police through the modernization of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Interoperable Radio System," said Dave White, Vice President, Motorola Solutions. “With its investment in state-of-the-art P25 infrastructure and technology, the Commonwealth will improve the resilience and reliability of emergency communications and enhance collaboration between police and other first responders to best serve its communities.” 

 Over the coming months, EOTSS’ Interoperable Communications Bureau (ICB) will brief current network users and partner agencies from across the Commonwealth on the CoMIRS modernization project. 

 To ensure there is no disruption to current public safety communication, the existing legacy interoperability system will be maintained until a decision can be made to decommission it. 

 For more information on the CoMIRS and EOTSS’ Interoperable Communications Bureau (ICB), visit: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/interoperable-communications-bureau 

Governor Baker Nominates Attorney Julie A. Lowre as Associate Justice of the Juvenile Court

 Governor Baker Nominates Attorney Julie A. Lowre as Associate Justice of the Juvenile Court

 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Attorney Julie A. Lowre as Associate Justice of the Juvenile Court.

 

"Attorney Lowre’s many years of legal experience make her well-suited for this appointment," said Governor Charlie Baker. "I am glad to submit her nomination to the Governor's Council for their advice and consent."

 

"If confirmed, this distinguished nominee would bring significant juvenile court experience to her new role,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “I am confident that Attorney Lowre would serve as a fair and thoughtful member of the judiciary.”

 

The Juvenile Court Department is a statewide court with jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters including delinquencies, care and protections, youthful offender cases and children requiring assistance. The Juvenile Court's mission is to protect children from abuse and neglect, to strengthen families, to rehabilitate juveniles and to protect the public from delinquent and criminal behavior. The Juvenile Court has over 40 judges, including Chief Justice Amy L. Nechtem, in over 40 locations.

 

For more information about the Juvenile Court, please visit their homepage.

 

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

 

Attorney Julie A. Lowre

 

Julie A. Lowre began her legal career in 2003 at Testa, Hurwitz and Thibeault, LLP, where she worked as a Trademark Administrator. In 2005, she opened the Law Office of Julie A. Lowre, where Attorney Lowre worked as a solo practitioner, practicing as a CPCS certified attorney with a particular focus on the areas of child welfare, juvenile delinquency, CRA cases and child welfare appeals. Since 2021, Attorney Lowre has served as an Assistant Clerk Magistrate with the Worcester County Juvenile Court. An active member of her community, Attorney Lowre has volunteered as an appointee to the Walpole Finance Committee, as Vice-Chair of the Walpole Personnel Board, chairperson of the Norfolk County Juvenile Court Bench-Bar Relations Committee and as a member of the Norfolk County Bar Advocates. Attorney Lowre received her bachelor’s degree from Suffolk University in 1997 and her Juris Doctorate from the New England School of Law in 2003.

90% 麻州呈現乾旱狀態 東北、東南乾至二級

 Majority of State Experiencing Ongoing Drought Conditions

Northeast, Southeast, CT River Valley, and Central Regions Declared Significant Drought

BOSTON — With 90 percent of Massachusetts experiencing drought conditions, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Beth Card today declared a Level 2-Signficant Drought in the Northeast, Southeast, Connecticut River Valley, and Central Regions of the state. Additionally, the Islands Region will remain at Level 1-Mild Drought along with the Western Region, which was elevated from Normal conditions last month. At this time, the Cape Cod Region will remain at Level 0-Normal conditions. As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level 2-Significant Drought warrants the convening of an inter-agency Mission Group, which has already been convened, to more closely coordinate on drought assessments, impacts and response within the government. A Level 1-Mild Drought warrants detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance to the affected municipalities.

 

“As the state continues to experience dry conditions, and with little rainfall expected in the immediate forecast, it is important that we all implement water conservation practices to reduce stress on our local water supply systems and our natural habitats,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “The Baker-Polito Administration will continue to work closely with its municipal partners and local water suppliers as we further monitor ongoing drought conditions and address its impacts, particularly on the agricultural sector.”

 

“As the drought conditions worsen across parts of the Commonwealth, MEMA reminds residents to exercise caution when using charcoal grills, backyard fire pits, and other open flame outdoor activities to prevent outdoor fires,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Acting Director Dawn Brantley. “Residents can also assist during the drought by minimizing water usage and following any local water restrictions for their area.”

 

Since the start of June 2022, hydrological conditions have continued to decline across the state and in particular in the northern half of the Commonwealth. Significantly, the drought has been both spreading and intensifying, with indices dropping more rapidly due to lack of precipitation over the past several months. Additionally, fire danger in the northern half of the state is steadily on the rise, with noticeable drought stress on foliage in shrubs and grasses. It is expected that low dew point and higher evapotranspiration may continue to impact the drought in the coming weeks as the state will experience the hottest time of the year. Furthermore, streamflow has been severely impacted across the Commonwealth, with dry stream beds and ponding visible in many locations. Ongoing drought conditions are also impacting growers, including local farms, with some farmers irrigating more heavily due to the lack of precipitation.

 

Important to note, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not currently experiencing drought conditions, as defined within its individual plan. However, private wells, local streams, wetlands, vernal pools, and other water-dependent habitats located within MWRA-serviced areas will be impacted by drought conditions while water quality in ponds can deteriorate due to lowering of levels and stagnation.

 

Individuals living and working within a Level 2 – Significant Drought and Level 1 – Mild Drought region, including residents utilizing a private well, are asked to take the following actions:

 

For Region in Level 2 - Significant Drought-

Residents and Businesses:

• Minimize overall water use;
• Limit outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans, to be used only after 5:00PM or before 9:00AM.

 

Immediate Steps for Communities:

• Adopt and implement the state’s nonessential outdoor water use restrictions for drought.
• Limit or prohibit installation of new sod, seeding, and/or landscaping; washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing; operation of non-recirculating fountains; filling of swimming pools, hot tubs, and backyard informal rinks.
• Implement drought or seasonal water rates.
• Establish water-use reduction targets for all water users and identify top water users and conduct targeted outreach to help curb their use.

 

Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Communities:

• Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication;
• Provide timely information to local residents and businesses;
• Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and
• Develop or revisit your local drought management plan for water supply.

 

For Region in Level 1 - Mild Drought-

Residents and Businesses:

• Toilets, faucets and showers are more than 60% of indoor use.  Make sure yours are WaterSense efficient.
• Limit outdoor watering to 1 day a week (only from 5:00PM – 9:00AM), or less frequently if required by your water supplier

 

Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Communities:

• Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication;
• Provide timely information to local residents and businesses;
• Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and
• Develop a local drought management plan for water supply (click here for more information).

 

Taking water conservation steps now will greatly help reduce water use to ensure essential needs, such as drinking water and fire protection, are being met, habitats have enough water to support their natural functions, and to sustain the Commonwealth’s water supplies in the long-term. Additionally, the Commonwealth will continue to monitor and assess current conditions and any associated environmental and agricultural impacts, coordinate any needed dissemination of information to the public, and help state, federal and local agencies prepare additional responses that may be needed in the future. Furthermore, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will continue to provide technical assistance to communities on managing systems, including emergency connections and water supplies assistance.

 

“Dry conditions continue to affect a major part of the Commonwealth and in a time of year when our rivers and streams are normally at their lowest, it is even more important to conserve in order to protect water supplies and our natural resources,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “People should be aware of, and follow, conservation measures put into place by their local water systems.” 

 

The Drought Management Task Force will meet again on Monday, August 8, 2022, at 1:00PM. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, please visit EEA’s drought page and water conservation page. To get the most up-to-date information on the drought indices, go to the state’s drought dashboard page.

哈佛大學將捐2500萬元 資助25%企業研究校區住宅為可負擔屋

(Boston Orange 編譯) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 和波士頓計畫發展局 (BPDA) 今 (12) 日連袂宣佈，哈佛大學將出資2500萬元，成立奧斯頓/布萊頓 (Allston-Brighton)可負擔住宅基金，讓佔地360英畝的哈佛企業研究校區 (ERC) A期內25%的住宅單位成為收入有限制單位。

                                                    波士頓計畫發展局預定於7月14日舉行的董事局會議中，建議通過此一發展案。

                                                 轄區在奧斯頓/布萊頓的波士頓市議員Liz Breadon表示，感謝吳弭市長，麻州眾議員Mike Moran 及Kevin Honan，BPDA局長Arthur Jemison，以及哈佛奧斯頓工作小組 (Harvard Allston Task Force) ，奧斯頓公民協會 (Allston Civic Association) ，奧斯頓-布萊頓正義聯盟 (Coalition for a Just Allston Brighton) ，鄰里活躍份子的支持，哈佛企業研究校區 (ERC) A期發展計畫將成為哈佛大學所擁有土地未來發展的重要前例。最重要的是這過程容許波士頓市致力和奧斯頓-布萊頓鄰里為照顧社區需求，做完善計畫，並為哈佛大學企業研究校區剩餘的22英畝地，以及超過50英畝的燈塔公園庭院 (Beacon Park Yard)作範例。

                              哈佛大學及發展商Tishman Speyer將把計畫建造的345戶單位中的25%，撥作收入有限制單位。這將是波士頓市內由私人發展的土地計畫中，撥列可負擔單位比率最高的一個。所有收入有限制的單位，都將座落在土地發展計畫內，直接增加了奧斯頓-布萊頓鄰里內的可負擔住宅數量。

                這些住宅單位的收入限制要求為區域中位收入 (AMI) 的30%至100%之間。

                  哈佛大學同時承諾設立2500萬元的奧斯頓-布萊頓可負擔住宅基金，將用於支持可負擔住宅，包括協助民眾購買可負擔住宅，保存社區內的可負擔住宅等。

               哈佛大學還將捐出西雅圖街65號的土地，讓人在奧斯頓建造、購買更多可負擔住宅。該地快將經由公開程序交給可負擔住宅發展商，建造盡可能最多的可負擔住宅。

                波士頓市長吳弭和波士頓計畫發展局還宣佈哈佛大學同意捐贈100萬元，來做奧斯頓-布萊頓社區需求評估，以期未來的社區福利更符合社區需要。哈佛大學還會另外捐100萬元，讓波士頓市來為該校在現有14英畝之外的22英畝地企業研究校區，做區域規劃的重新設計。

                哈佛大學企業研究校區的發展計畫還將提供50萬元，由波士頓計畫發展局和波士頓市交通局 (BPD) 做”西方公交大道 (Western Avenue Transitway)”的整體設計研究，優先強調使用公共交通工具，低壓力自行車道，寬敞的行人空間，為波士頓計畫發展局已經完成的”西方大道迴廊重新區域規劃研究”做增補。

                這提案計畫還包括改善西方大道上的公共交通、行人，自行車騎士的安全。哈佛大學將和MBTA合作，改善86號和70號巴士的服務。該計畫還提議建造600輛自行車的停車空間，安裝2個各有23個停車格的藍自行車車站。

               這一發展計畫的網路公聽會訂7月14日傍晚5點40分，在波士頓計畫發展局的董事會中舉行，有普通話，廣東話，西班牙話翻譯。該會議將在波士頓市府電視頻道 (XFinity 24號頻道，RCN13號頻道，以及Verizon Fios962號頻道)，以及波士頓市府網站 (boston.gov)同時播出。

麻州府撥款1500萬元資助15社區學院培訓人力 邦克丘獲73萬餘元

 Baker-Polito Administration Awards $15 Million in Workforce Training Grants to the Commonwealth’s 15 Community Colleges

BOSTON  –– The Baker-Polito Administration today awarded $15 million in workforce training grants to the Commonwealth’s 15 community colleges in support of the creation and expansion of training programs in high-demand industries, such healthcare, education, manufacturing, information technology and cybersecurity.

Approximately 1,500 individuals will receive specialized training at no cost.  About one third of the grant funding will be allocated toward building capacity in training programs for the healthcare industry, which is in high demand across the Commonwealth. The funding was included in An Act Relative to Immediate COVID-19 Recovery Needs, which was signed by Governor Baker in December 2021.

“These grants complement our administration’s ongoing work to address the skills gap by building additional training capacity at all the Commonwealth’s community colleges so people have opportunities to gain hands-on skills and knowledge in growing industries,” said Governor Charlie Baker.  “It is crucial that we provide more residents with quality training options and eliminate the gaps between what skills the Massachusetts workforce has, and what skills employers need.”

“We are so grateful to our community college partners who know that education is a lifelong journey and want to help provide individuals in our communities with the tools they need to achieve success in the Massachusetts’ workforce,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “These grants will enable more people to transition to new jobs in high-demand occupations where employers are hungry for talent.” 

Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) and the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges (MACC) will jointly administer the grant program with the Executive Office of Education and in consultation with the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and the regional Workforce Investment Boards.

The training programs will strive to help populations who have traditionally experienced higher rates of unemployment and barriers to employment identified by the Black Advisory Commission and the Latino Advisory Commission, with priority given to those who are unemployed and underemployed.

“One of the goals of these grants is to help address shifting economic conditions that occurred for many residents brought on by the COVID-19 crisis, and persistent racial inequities and workforce challenges that existed in the Commonwealth before the pandemic,” said Education Secretary James Peyser. “We anticipate these new training opportunities will make it easier for more people to move into high-demand, higher paying careers.”

"Our partnerships with community colleges across the Commonwealth are so important to the work we are doing to train the unemployed and underemployed for meaningful, long-lasting careers," said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rosalin Acosta. "These regional training programs in high-need sectors are a win-win for employers and jobseekers."

 “As House Chair of the Higher Education Committee, I know well the outstanding work our community colleges do to educate and prepare our residents for well-paying, high-quality careers,” said Rep. David Rogers, (D-Cambridge) co-chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. “These grants will enhance that work, giving our residents access to training programs in high-demand industries such as healthcare, education, and cybersecurity. These programs are simply essential to succeed in our dynamic knowledge-based workforce; it is great to see them get a boost.”

The Following Community Colleges received funding for Workforce Training:
Berkshire Community College - $735,000
Bristol Community College - $735,000
Bunker Hill Community College - $735,000
Cape Cod Community College - $735,000
Greenfield Community College - $735,000
Holyoke Community College - $735,000
MassBay Community College - $735,000
Massasoit Community College - $735,000
Middlesex Community College - $735,000
Mt. Wachusett Community College - $735,000
North Shore Community College - $735,000
Northern Essex Community College - $735,000
Quinsigamond Community College - $735,000
Roxbury Community College - $735,000
Springfield Technical Community College - $735,000

MACC will collaborate with the Executive Office of Education to allocate the remaining $3.45 million to community colleges based on local student enrollment demand for the training programs.

同性戀耆英住宅Pryde遭塗鴉破壞 波士頓市長吳弭發推文譴責

            波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)發推文，稱"無論是在Pryde大樓或是波士頓市的任何地方，仇恨或破壞行為都是不被容忍的行為"。

             吳弭市長稱，這一可負擔的同性戀耆英住宅大樓是在地方居民推動，鄰里發生支持中建造的。"我們會更快速地完成建造工程"。

國會議員 Pressley 支持 Maura Healey 競選麻州州長

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley Endorses Maura Healey for Massachusetts Governor

Boston, July 11 - Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley today endorsed Attorney General Maura Healey to be the next Governor of Massachusetts.

“Maura Healey is a passionate and determined advocate for families and communities across Massachusetts,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “In the time we’ve known one another, I’m proud to have worked together to protect students from predatory for-profit colleges, hold pharmaceutical companies accountable, strengthen support for victims of crime, and more. In a moment when so much is on the line - from abortion access and reproductive freedom to economic opportunity and the accelerating impacts of climate change - we need leadership in the corner office on Beacon Hill committed to making real, positive change for everyone in Massachusetts. I’m proud to endorse Maura for Governor, and I look forward to joining her in the work ahead.”   

“Congresswoman Pressley is a powerful and inspiring advocate and leader for justice and equity who centers her work on lifting the voices and experiences of the people she serves,” said Attorney General Healey. “We’ve stood by each other throughout our careers, and I’m deeply honored to receive her endorsement in our campaign for Governor today. I look forward to partnering together to advance policies that will make life better for all Massachusetts residents.”

Congresswoman Pressley made history in 2018 when she became the first woman of color elected to represent Massachusetts in the U.S. Congress, representing constituents in Boston, Somerville, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Randolph, and Milton. During her time in office, Congresswoman Pressley has introduced landmark legislation to combat the crisis of childhood trauma, codify the right to abortion and comprehensive reproductive care, abolish the federal death penalty, fix our broken clemency system, cancel student debt, and more. She serves on the House Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Government Oversight and Reform, and she has led on issues ranging from expanding transit justice and ensuring an equitable public health response to COVID-19 to ending discriminatory credit practices and keeping families safely housed. 

To learn more about Congresswoman Pressley’s leadership, please visit https://ayannapressley.com/. 

No Book, No Ball夏季聯盟聚會邀麻州州長同慶 (圖片)

麻州州長Charlie Baker和曾是美國籃球聯盟 (NBA)球手與教練的
 Michael Leon Carr 在球場上小比劃一下。 (周菊子攝)

麻州州長查理貝克 (Charlie Baker)一投進籃，儼然當年在哈佛大學打籃球
的實力仍在。 (周菊子攝)

麻州公共衛生廳公布最新新冠病毒報告

 Department of Public Health Updates COVID-19 Data Reporting 

 

BOSTON (July 8, 2022) – Today, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced updates to its COVID-19 data reporting to take effect beginning the week of July 11, 2022. The changes include publishing the COVID-19 Interactive Data Dashboard on a weekly basis rather than five days per week, to reflect the evolving COVID-19 response in the Commonwealth.

 

“As the pandemic has continued to evolve, so too have our data needs,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown. “The changes taking effect next week are part of our ongoing efforts to adapt to the pandemic and focus on the metrics most useful at a given time. The updated reporting reflects the current status of COVID-19 and its impact.”

 

Changes to the Interactive Data Dashboard include:

 

• Data will be uploaded to the interactive dashboard once per week on Thursdays
• Updated population denominators to more recent Census numbers going forward
• The Contact Tracing and Clusters tabs under COVID-19 Cases will be removed going forward; due to changes in case investigation and contact tracing practices, these data are no longer representative of the current situation
• Higher Education data information will be removed going forward, due to the decrease in surveillance testing being conducted in those settings

 

Changes to the Thursday Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Report include:

 

• This report will now be published each Wednesday rather than Thursday, and the Doses Administered table (currently posted Monday through Friday) will be consolidated into the weekly vaccine dashboard
• County reporting data will include those fully vaccinated and those with at least one booster dose (currently includes those with at least 1 dose and those with at least one booster dose)

All of the county data is available at the municipal level and can be aggregated. All of the raw data for contact tracing, clusters and higher education, including historic data, remains available. Chapter 93 data reports will continue to be uploaded Monday through Friday.

 

“While we all have become used to checking the numbers every day, monitoring trends over time is actually the most useful way to apply the COVID-19 data,” said Dr. Helen Boucher, Interim Dean of Tufts University School of Medicine, Chief Academic Officer at Tufts Medicine, and member of the Governor’s Medical Advisory Board. “Given that Massachusetts has one of the best vaccination and booster percentages in the nation, these changes make sense at this stage in our COVID-19 response.”

 

Last year, the interactive dashboard and vaccine report were updated from posting 7 days per week to 5 days per week. The latest reporting updates reflect the evolution of the pandemic given the wide availability of multiple mitigation tools, including vaccination, antivirals, and monoclonal antibody therapies, as well as a highly vaccinated population in Massachusetts.

 

DPH will continue to closely monitor COVID-19 in Massachusetts and maintains the ability to increase the type and frequency of data publication in the future if there is a need.

 

Massachusetts maintains one of the most robust and comprehensive public data reports on COVID-19 in the nation and has continued to regularly review and adjust its reporting of metrics as the impact of COVID-19 has evolved. See the latest COVID-19 data at www.mass.gov/coviddata.

MCCONNELL公園710萬元翻修 市長吳弭今剪綵

MAYOR WU CUTS RIBBON ON NEWLY RENOVATED MCCONNELL PARK Investments include $7.1 million towards park upgrades and features to further climate resilience

(From City of Boston)  BOSTON - Friday, July 8, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu joined members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, elected officials, local youth sports leagues, park neighbors, and families for the official unveiling of $7.1 million in improvements to McConnell Park in Dorchester’s Savin Hill neighborhood. Located at 30 Denny Street, McConnell Park is a popular 6.2 acre facility that dates back to 1899. The comprehensive park renovation includes the play lot, fields, passive spaces, parking, utility improvements, and improved access.  (From City of Boston) Funding was provided by the Mayor’s Capital Improvement Plan supplemented by a $1 million Land and Water Conservation Fund grant. In addition to full renovation of the athletic facilities, the park was also designed to implement climate resilient measures due to its proximity to the harbor. These include raised portions of the site, a granite block barrier wall which further extends the flood protection potential of the park, and parking lot islands designed to retain and infiltrate stormwater. “I'm thrilled to celebrate the opening of McConnell Park and unveiling our high water mark signs,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As we continue to work to make Boston the greenest City in the country, we have to do so with a focus on inclusion, access, and communities who deserve and need space for fun, play, and for families to be together.”  “I am excited about the new and improved McConnell Park,” said City Councilor Frank Baker. “This significant investment is necessary for the future of our children. The renovation was intentional - keeping inclusion and climate resilience at the forefront of the design. As the District 3 City Councilor, I am looking forward to seeing this park utilized for many years to come.” “As a parent of an autistic child and the chair of the Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks committee, I am thrilled to commemorate the opening of McConnell Park,” said City Councilor Kendra Lara. “Considering accessibility, inclusion, and environmental justice in our park designs moves us one step closer to being a more resilient and inclusive city. Thanks to our City's leadership, children of all abilities can now enjoy a clean and safe park in their neighborhood, one that's environmentally responsible and can withstand the effects of climate change.” “I’m proud of the way this design balances climate resilience with high quality outdoor recreation and inclusive play," said Boston Parks and Recreation Department Commissioner Ryan Woods. "The park provides a buffer against infrequent but devastating high water events, and neighbors can enjoy the site's open skies, fresh air, and sea views every day of the year.” “McConnell Park was intentionally designed with climate preparedness at its core and includes resilient measures to sustain the community in the face of climate change,” said Dr. Alison Brizius, Environment Department Commissioner. “I’m grateful for all of our intergovernmental partners and the broader community who supported this park renovation and the creation of high water mark signs.”  Features include the new Little League field with a batting cage, drinking fountains, and irrigation; a multi-purpose softball field with ball netting; a small soccer field in the outfield; and a Challenger ball field for inclusion leagues with a closer outfield fence and an accessible short pile artificial turf field surface. All ballfields feature new LED lighting, bleachers, and shaded dugouts. “Growing up in Dorchester, the playground and these fields were such a fundamental part of everyday life,” said Mike Szkolka, a lifelong Savin Hill resident who was active in the project’s community design process during his presidency of the Columbia-Savin Hill Civic Association. “Many of my and my friends' earliest memories were formed here, and it's endlessly exciting that so many people will get to enjoy this space for decades to come.” Other new amenities include an inclusive play area for children of all abilities, including a roller table, cozy cocoon spinner, slides and musical instruments; an accessible pathway throughout the park to all fields, play areas, and abutting streets; traffic calming strategies to slow cars on the access drive to the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) parking lot and Dorchester Yacht Club; a plaza containing a relocated memorial stone and a new bronze plaque to commemorate Capt. Joseph McConnell with an interpretive sign coming soon; and renovations on Springdale Street to clarify vehicular circulation and provide clear and safe pedestrian access.  McConnell Playground experienced significant flooding in the fields and parking lot from two Nor’easters in early 2018. Stormwater made its way across the park and into low lying areas in abutter’s backyards, flooding basements and properties. After these two coastal flood events, the US Geological Survey identified and surveyed several high water mark (HWMs) elevations in Boston. With support from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the City unveiled its first high water mark signs codifying these historic high water levels with informational and interactive signage, including a digital story map, that will improve flood risk awareness for a variety of users and audiences, and connect residents and visitors to actions the City is taking to address these vulnerabilities. “I would like to thank all our Massachusetts Silver Jackets team partners including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service, and Office for Coastal Management, United States Geological Survey, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the City of Boston for their efforts to get us to where we are,” said Sheila Warren, Silver Jackets Coordinator for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District. “We feel fortunate to have this great partnership to develop the High Water Marks Program to raise awareness of flooding along the coastline.” The ribbon cutting of the climate ready McConnell Park reinforces the Wu administration's commitment to protecting resilient open spaces in Boston. Recently, the City Council approved Mayor Wu's first budget proposal which includes groundbreaking investments in expanding Boston’s open spaces. This includes $137 million in capital funding and operating investments to create and protect parks, the tree canopy, and open spaces in the city and $2.5 million for a new Climate Ready Streets program within Climate Ready Boston.