AG HEALEY SECURES $12 MILLION IN RELIEF FROM DEBT COLLECTION COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES OVER UNLAWFUL PRACTICES

AG HEALEY SECURES $12 MILLION IN RELIEF FROM DEBT COLLECTION COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES OVER UNLAWFUL PRACTICES 

Settlement Resolves Allegations of Illegal Debt Buying and Debt Collection Practices by Encore Capital Group; Provides Restitution and Debt Relief for Massachusetts Consumers 

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey announced a $12 million settlement, including restitution and debt relief for Massachusetts consumers, with a national debt collection company and its subsidiaries for allegedly engaging in unfair and deceptive debt buying and collection in violation of state laws and the AG’s Debt Collection Regulations.  

The assurance of discontinuance, filed in Suffolk Superior Court, with Encore Capital Group, Inc., and its subsidiaries, Atlantic Credit and Finance, Inc., Midland Funding, LLC., and Midland Credit Management, Inc., alleges that the companies were collecting on debts without sufficient proof that the debts were valid and accurate, using misleading collection tactics to obtain payments from consumers experiencing financial hardship, making repeated and harassing debt collection calls, failing to prevent its collection law firm from using falsified information about the existence of lawsuits and judgments, and attempting to collect debts that were beyond the statute of limitations or “time-barred.”  

“We allege that Midland engaged in predatory and illegal practices to collect debt from Massachusetts consumers including our most vulnerable residents,” AG Healey said. “My office is pleased to return this money to consumers harmed by the company’s illegal actions, and we will continue to hold companies that prey on our consumers accountable.”  

Midland Funding, based in California, is one of the largest debt buyers and debt collection entities in the country. Midland regularly purchased portfolios of defaulted loans, credit card accounts, and other debts and attempted to collect these debts from Massachusetts consumers using its own collectors and debt collection law firms.   

The settlement resolved the AG’s investigation into numerous unfair and deceptive debt buying and debt collection practices by Midland. This includes regularly purchasing debts without obtaining underlying documentation, such as account statements and credit agreements, necessary to ensure the debt is valid and accurate. Midland also additionally failed to prevent its former debt collection law firm, the Daniels Law Office, from falsifying information about lawsuits and judgments against consumers, and Midland then allowed subsequent debt collection law firms to pursue consumers based on this falsified information. 

Midland made excessive and harassing phone calls to consumers in order to collect on consumer debts, in some instances, placing as many as 15 phone calls within a seven-day period. This is a violation of the AG’s Debt Collection Regulations, which prohibit making more than two calls to a consumer within a seven-day period. Midland also frequently attempted to collect debts that were no longer legally enforceable through a lawsuit without providing disclosure of this fact to consumers as required by the AG’s Debt Collection Regulations.   

Midland falsely represented that certain vulnerable consumers were required to make good faith payments or enter an agreement for judgment with payment on a debt when the consumer had only exempt sources of income like social security disability benefits and pensions. Most public benefits as well as earnings below a certain statutory threshold are legally protected from post-judgment collection in order for consumers to purchase basic necessities such as food, medication, and shelter.  

Under the terms of the settlement, Midland is required to pay $4.5 million, which includes restitution to thousands of impacted Massachusetts consumers, and will reform its debt collection practices. Additionally, Midland will cease to collect on over 4,200 debts, totaling approximately $7.5 million, that were previously placed with the Daniels Law Office and for which a judgment could not be verified. 

Midland will be prohibited from collecting on debts or suing any consumer for a debt unless the company can acquire and review all original documents relating to the debt. The company must also come into compliance with the AG’s Debt Collection Regulations pertaining to debt collection calls, time-barred debt, and validation of debts. The company has also agreed to additional protections for consumers who rely on exempt income. Among those protections, the company will not attempt to have consumers enter into court-ordered agreements to pay debts with exempt income and will not seek court payment hearings for consumers with only exempt income. 

A settlement administrator will be sending letters notifying consumers who are eligible for restitution under the settlement and the process for receiving settlement funds. Consumers with questions about the settlement can call 617-727-8400 for assistance.  

The AG’s Office is dedicated to stopping illegal debt collection practices and encourages anyone with questions or concerns about debt collection practices to learn more about fair debt collection or file a complaint online.  

This case was handled by Assistant Attorneys General Peter Downing and Sarah Petrie, of the AG’s Consumer Protection Division

MAYOR WU & BOSTON TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCE PERMANENT STREET CHANGES FOLLOWING ORANGE LINE SHUTDOWN

MAYOR WU & BOSTON TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCE PERMANENT STREET CHANGES FOLLOWING ORANGE LINE SHUTDOWN Select bus lanes, bike lanes, and parking changes will remain in place in effort to improve traffic flow and public safety

BOSTON - Tuesday, September 20, 2022 - Today Mayor Michelle Wu and Chief of Streets Jascha Franklin-Hodge announced several street changes made to mitigate impacts from the MBTA’s Orange Line shutdown will be made permanent following the reopening of the Orange Line Monday. The Boston Transportation Department (BTD) took unprecedented steps to quickly install priority bus lanes, pop-up bike lanes, and change parking restrictions along the Orange Line route. Certain infrastructure changes that improved traffic flow or public safety will remain in place. The Mayor also announced street changes that will be temporarily removed and then reinstalled permanently. All other changes made during the Orange Line shutdown will be removed. “Over the last 30 days, our City teams have been focused on measuring what’s working so we could ensure continual improvement during a stressful time of the Orange Line shutdown,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We’re keeping in place some of the changes that have helped with traffic flow and transit access, so that commuters will see lasting benefit above ground even as the subway comes back online. I’m so proud of the Boston Transportation Department for their hard work during this unprecedented event, and grateful to commuters across the region for their patience and input.” “The past 30 days provided an opportunity to create new ways to use our public spaces to ease how residents move within the City,” said Chief of Streets Jascha Franklin-Hodge. “We look forward to working with the community to take the lessons learned and apply them to future infrastructure projects that will enhance public space and improve mobility for pedestrians, people on bikes, and transit riders.”  The following street infrastructure changes will remain in place: Chinatown MBTA SL5 bus stop: This newly added bus stop creates a vital link for Chinatown residents to the SL5. Copley Square area bus lanes: These bus lanes include Boylston Street (Ring Road to Clarendon Street); Clarendon Street (Boylston Street to Columbus Ave.); St. James Street (west of Berkeley Street to Dartmouth Street). These bus lanes support the 39, 9, and 10 bus routes, which together serve more than 10,000 riders per weekday. South End loading zones and drop-off zones: Changes to parking restrictions in this area will remain in place for improved curbside management and reduced double parking in the unprotected bike lane. Jamaica Plain pavement marking and signage: This includes traffic safety elements such as “Don’t Block the Box” and parking restrictions at corners to improve visibility. These changes have shown to improve traffic safety and management. Boylston Street one-way for vehicles: Closing part of Boylston Street (between Amory & Lamartine) to traffic throughout the shutdown has improved safety (collisions and near-misses) along the Southwest Corridor. Reopening this stretch as a one-way street from Amory to Lamartine for vehicles will support long-term bike connectivity plans, improve safety for all modes, and reduce conflict at the high crash intersection of Boylston and Lamartine Streets. Huntington Avenue bus & bike priority lane: The priority bus and bike lane that was added to Huntington Avenue from Brigham Circle to Gainsborough Street has improved speed for the Route 39 bus. As a permanent lane, it will continue to support the thousands of people who ride the Route 39 bus and will improve safety for those on bikes.  Columbus Avenue pop-up bike lane: This will remain until early December and then be removed for the season. BTD Active Transportation will continue to monitor and move barrels daily to enable street sweeping. Long-term planning is underway for a potential permanent facility. This is one of the busiest corridors for biking. Improving conditions, even on just a few blocks, can make the overall trip safer and more enjoyable. Bluebikes parking: The City will retain Bluebikes docks added during the shutdown, with minor modifications as needed, to keep up with record-breaking ridership numbers. The City is also exploring options to provide free or low-cost bike share service. The Boylston Street pop-up bike lane will be removed as the City works to design the recently announced permanent facility. Boylston Street is an important link in the bike network, and improved infrastructure here will make a safer ride for people biking from Brookline, Mission Hill, the LMA, and Back Bay to Downtown. The pop-up Boylston Street bike lane will be in place through September 26. The permanent Boylston Street bike lane will be prioritized for installation in the spring.  The Boston Transportation Department is also evaluating potential designs for additional protected bike lanes, pedestrian zones, bus lanes, and safety improvements informed by the changes that were temporarily in place during the Orange Line shutdown. These changes will undergo evaluation and engagement and be publicly announced before any implementation.

宣傳公平繳稅修正案 華人前進會推出視頻製作比賽

 

昆士市年度餐車音樂節將於10月1日揭幕

 QUINCY’S ANNUAL FOOD TRUCK & MUSIC FESTIVAL OCTOBER 1ST

QUINCY, MA – The City of Quincy’s annual Food Truck & Music Festival will take place Saturday, October 1st from noon – 6 p.m. on Coddington Street. The afternoon will include a wide variety of local bands, food trucks and kids entertainment.

“Quincy’s food truck and music fest has become an annual fall tradition in the City highlighting the local talents of musicians and chefs alike,” shared Mayor Thomas Koch. “It’s a great afternoon packed with lots of family-friendly entertainment.”

 Musical acts include Brendan Ryan at 12:00 p.m., Craig Carter and the Hurricane at 1:05 p.m., Joe Bargar and the Soul Providers at 2:15 p.m., Through The Doors at 3:05 p.m. and the Dirty Water Dance Band headlining the event at 4:45 p.m. Kids entertainment on the lawn of the Thomas Crane Public Library include Magician & Mentalist George at 12:00 p.m., Phillip Alexander Sing, Play, Grow at 1:00 p.m., East Coast Mobile Gaming Truck from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Through Me To You Puppetry at 3:00 p.m. & Stacey Peasley Quartet at 4:00 p.m. Food trucks include Ellies Treats, Lolly Jolly Waffles, Trolly Dogs, Uncle Joe’s Cannoli, Loco Larry’s Tacos, Bon Me, Aahhh Roma, Blacks Creek BBQ, Montilios Pizza/Desserts, What’s Up Cupcake, South Shore Taco Guy, Thyme Traveling, Local Motion Rice Bowls, Rockin Burgers, Wanderlust, hoopie Pie Truck, Lobster Love, Mom’s On The Go, Mamma Deb’s, Cheesy Chicks, Away Café, Gonzalez & Sufra Mediterranean. Beer and wine can be purchased from the Hive Mobile Bar. 

For more information, follow the City of Quincy on Facebook, Twitter,

Instagram and Nextdoor.

Baker-Polito Administration Invests $12.6 Million in Coastal Community Resilience

Baker-Polito Administration Invests $12.6 Million in Coastal Community Resilience

 

BOSTON – As part of the Commonwealth’s celebration of Climate Week, which is from September 19, 2022, to September 25, 2022, the Baker-Polito Administration today announced the awarding of $12.6 million in grants to support 27 local planning and shoreline management projects to aid Massachusetts’ coastal communities in preparing for severe coastal storms and the impacts of climate change, including storm surge, flooding, erosion, and sea level rise. The funding, provided through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM), has been awarded to Barnstable, Boston, Brewster, Chatham, Chilmark, Cohasset, Duxbury Beach Reservation, Inc., Gosnold, House of Seven Gables Settlement Association, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Marblehead, Marshfield, Mass Audubon, Mattapoisett, Nahant, New Bedford, Orleans, Plymouth, Provincetown, Salem, Scituate, Wareham, Wellfleet, and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Additional municipal partners of these projects include Braintree, Chilmark, Dennis, Duxbury, Eastham, Falmouth, Truro, and Winthrop.

 

“Coastal communities in Massachusetts face increasing risks to infrastructure, buildings, and natural resources due to coastal storms and climate change,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We have been focused on investing in climate change solutions since taking office, and we commend local leaders for their forward-thinking planning and action with these Coastal Resilience Grant projects.”

 

“The Coastal Resilience Grant Program provides valuable technical and financial assistance to municipalities and nonprofit organizations to help address local issues,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Our Administration remains committed to supporting important long-term planning, infrastructure adaptations, and shoreline restoration efforts to improve the resilience of our coastline.”

 

CZM’s Coastal Resilience Grant Program provides funding and technical assistance for local efforts to evaluate vulnerabilities to climate impacts, increase community awareness, and understanding of these issues, plan for changing conditions, redesign vulnerable community facilities and infrastructure, and restore shoreline systems through non-structural approaches. Grants may fund feasibility assessments, public outreach, design, permitting, construction, and monitoring of projects that enhance or create natural buffers to erosion and flooding. Including the grants announced today, the Baker-Polito Administration has now invested $35.7 million in 182 coastal resilience improvement projects through the Coastal Resilience Grant Program since 2015. Funding through the program has supported comprehensive planning, infrastructure retrofits, and shoreline restoration projects to reduce wave energy, erosion, and flooding impacts.

 

“Massachusetts residents and visitors to the Commonwealth’s coast will significantly benefit from these Coastal Resilience Grants through reduced exposure to flooding and more resilient beaches,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “These grants serve as another great example of the Baker-Polito Administration’s dedication to environmental and climate resilience initiatives, and demonstrate a continued commitment to protecting the Commonwealth’s invaluable coast.”

 

“The Office of Coastal Zone Management works hand-in-hand with local and regional partners to address a wide range of coastal resilience challenges,” said CZM Director Lisa Berry Engler. “We congratulate all of the grant recipients and look forward to another year of successful projects and the substantial benefits they will bring for many years to come.”

 

The 27 projects receiving a total of $12.6 million in Coastal Resilience Grants are:

 

Barnstable

Sandy Neck Beach Facility Preliminary Design and Permitting, $128,127

The Town of Barnstable will design and initiate permitting for nature-based measures and a reconfiguration of the Sandy Neck Beach Facility to enhance storm damage protection to infrastructure, wetlands, and endangered species habitat areas.

 

Boston

Technical Analysis and Resilient Schematic Design Options for Dorchester’s Waterfront (Tenean Beach and Conley Street), $300,000

The City of Boston will advance previous climate vulnerability assessments to further analyze site conditions to address a critical flood entry point in Dorchester. The project will develop schematic designs to protect the waterfront and community from future sea level rise and coastal storms.

 

Brewster, Dennis and Orleans

Intermunicipal Shoreline Management for Southeastern Cape Cod Bay, $288,414

The Towns of Brewster, Dennis, and Orleans will partner on developing a comprehensive, science-based framework for managing the 14.5-mile shoreline between Rock Harbor in Orleans and Bass Hole in Dennis.

 

Chatham

Environmental Permitting for Current Redirection Structures and Nourishment of Crescent Beach, $86,732

To mitigate significant shoaling within the Stage Harbor entrance channel and erosion of Crescent Beach, the Town of Chatham will undertake environmental permitting for temporary structures that redirect tidal currents combined with beach nourishment.

 

Chatham, on behalf of the Pleasant Bay Alliance

Pleasant Bay Living Shorelines: Jackknife Beach Salt Marsh Restoration, $82,690

The Town of Chatham, on behalf of the Pleasant Bay Alliance, will complete permitting and prepare construction documents for a living shoreline project that will enhance fringing salt marsh and provide erosion protection at the Jackknife Beach recreational area.

 

Chilmark

Dune Restoration on Menemsha Public Beach, $205,937

The Town of Chilmark will construct a 200-foot dune restoration project along Menemsha Public Beach. The project will reduce sand overwashing across the parking lot and into Menemsha Harbor and provide increased storm damage protection and flood control for landward areas.

 

Cohasset

Cohasset Cove and James Brook Watershed Flood Vulnerability Assessment and Resiliency Strategies, $161,925

The Town of Cohasset will assess the vulnerability of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Influent Pump Station located in Jacob’s Meadow and other public assets to current and future flooding conditions within the Cohasset Cove and James Brook Watershed. The project will develop resiliency strategies to mitigate flooding risks to these critical local and regional resources.

 

Duxbury Beach Reservation, Inc.

Beach Nourishment and Dune Enhancement at Duxbury Beach Reservation, $1,800,000

The Duxbury Beach Reservation, Inc., will construct a 2,750-foot beach and dune nourishment project in front of the Duxbury Pavilion to provide increased storm damage protection and flood control to Duxbury Bay.

 

Duxbury Beach Reservation, Inc., Braintree, Chilmark, Falmouth and Winthrop

Comprehensive Monitoring of Cobble Berms, $253,225

The Duxbury Beach Reservation, Inc., in partnership with the Towns of Braintree, Chilmark, Falmouth, and Winthrop and the Stone Living Lab, will conduct comprehensive monitoring of recently constructed cobble berms to increase understanding of the design and performance of these nature-based approaches to shoreline management.

 

Gosnold

Gosnold Fuel Resilience Project - Construction, $573,398

The Town of Gosnold will install a new above-ground fuel storage system that incorporates sea level rise considerations to replace recently removed underground tanks. Providing a resilient source of fuel for vessels, vehicles, and home heating is critical to residents and visitors on the island.

 

House of Seven Gables Settlement Association

Preserving History: Assessments and Climate Adaptations at the House of Seven Gables, $509,919

The House of Seven Gables will prepare an adaptation plan that identifies short-, medium-, and long-term actions to improve the resilience of its campus and buildings to anticipated changes in groundwater elevation, precipitation, storm intensity, and sea level rise.

 

Ipswich

Building Climate Resilience Through Adaptation at the Crane Estate - Argilla Road Adaptation Permitting, $113,160

The Town of Ipswich and The Trustees of Reservations will continue permitting efforts for the Argilla Road Adaptation project, which aims to elevate Argilla Road and implement nature-based designs to provide a storm-resilient transition to adjacent wetlands and restore upland wetlands to full function through tidal exchange.

 

Manchester-by-the-Sea

Coastal Vulnerability Action Plan, $175,132

The Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea will develop a conceptual action plan to reduce coastal flood risks in the downtown inner harbor waterfront. The project will develop alternatives for protecting critical assets including the Town Hall, wastewater treatment plant, and downtown commercial district.

 

Marblehead

Public Access and Protection for the Marblehead Municipal Light Department and Adjoining Public Lands, $523,220

The Town of Marblehead will continue public outreach, advance design plans, and begin permitting for infrastructure retrofits to reduce flooding impacts along the shoreline encompassing the Municipal Light Department and adjacent properties.

 

Marshfield and Duxbury

Marshfield and Duxbury Beach and Dune Nourishment - Permitting and Beneficial Reuse Facilitation, $70,598

The Towns of Marshfield and Duxbury will continue permitting efforts to implement beach and dune nourishment projects at vulnerable coastal beaches along the towns’ east-facing shorelines. The towns will also continue public outreach to update the communities on the project and its public benefits.

 

Mass Audubon

Feasibility Study for Shoreline Restoration and Infrastructure Adaptations to Increase Coastal Resilience at Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary, $96,824

Mass Audubon will examine the feasibility of shoreline restoration and infrastructure adaptations to the Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary and the terminal portion of Eastern Point Boulevard in Gloucester.

 

Mattapoisett

Reopening Old Slough Road for Vehicle Travel in Emergencies - Year 2, $585,000

The Town of Mattapoisett will finalize design plans, permit, and construct improvements to Old Slough Road, which will be used as an emergency route for vehicles traveling between the Point Connett and Angelica Point communities. These communities are currently accessed by Angelica Avenue, a single, low-lying road that is threatened by flooding from coastal storms and sea level rise.

 

Nahant

Forty Steps Beach - Conceptual Shore Protection Design, $96,900

The Town of Nahant will evaluate alternative strategies for shore and coastal bank protection at Forty Steps Beach. The project will develop a conceptual design for the preferred alternative and initiate permitting discussions with agencies.

 

New Bedford

West Rodney French Boulevard Beach Nourishment - Finalize Permitting, Design Plans and Contract Document Preparation, $150,830

The City of New Bedford will complete environmental permitting and prepare final design plans and contract documents for the future construction of the West Rodney French Boulevard beach nourishment project. The proposed nourishment will help provide erosion protection to critical infrastructure located in the roadway.

 

Orleans

Rock Harbor Commercial Wharf Fuel System Improvements, $599,516

The Town of Orleans will address the vulnerability of existing marine fuel facilities by removing underground fuel tanks located in a vulnerable area and replacing them with two new above-ground units in a safer and more landward location.

 

Plymouth

Plymouth Long Beach Mixed Sediment Nourishment, $2,000,000

The Town of Plymouth will nourish a 2,000-foot section of Long Beach with sand, gravel, and cobble to address impacts of increasingly severe storms that threaten properties and infrastructure on the barrier spit and along the Plymouth Harbor.

 

Provincetown

Ryder Street Beach Dune Enhancement Project - Finalize Permitting, Design Plans and Contract Document Preparation, $80,355

The Town of Provincetown will develop final design plans, construction specifications, and a monitoring and maintenance plan for a dune enhancement project along a 250-foot section of Ryder Street Beach to withstand storm events and improve coastal storm damage protection and flood control to the downtown area.

 

Salem

Palmer Cove Resiliency Enhancements and Community Engagement on Climate Change and Emergency Preparedness, $480,485

The City of Salem will evaluate, permit, and implement adaptation measures to mitigate near-term coastal flooding risks while also working to advance design plans and cost estimates for long-term resiliency improvements to the seawall and revetment at Palmer Cove Park. The project will also continue to engage the community on climate change and disaster preparedness. 

 

Scituate

North Scituate Beach Nourishment - Design Plans, Contract Document, and Construction, $1,999,990

The Town of Scituate will prepare final design plans and contract documents and construct a portion of the North Scituate Beach nourishment project to mitigate the impact of coastal storms and sea level rise over the next 20 to 30 years. The project will include public meetings to communicate project purpose, expectations, and updates.

 

Wareham

Resilient Main Street, $199,918

The Town of Wareham will develop a conceptual plan for implementable adaptation measures that can reduce flood risk to the Main Street commercial district. The project will increase public understanding of the vulnerability of the area and explore nature-based solutions.

 

Wellfleet

Increasing Coastal Resiliency Through Intermunicipal Shoreline Management: Phase 3, $546,180

The Town of Wellfleet, in partnership with the Towns of Eastham, Provincetown, and Truro, will continue a multi-phase project to pursue a regional approach to shoreline management for Eastern Cape Cod Bay. The project will develop a regional sand management program and public data portal and finalize conceptual design strategies for four low-lying roads.

 

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Resilient Woods Hole - Phase 2: Demonstrating the Power of a Public-Private Blue Economy Village Partnership in Implementing Community Climate Resiliency Solutions, $499,981

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will continue to work in partnership with the Town of Falmouth, Marine Biological Laboratory, and Northeast Fisheries Science Center to design and construct floodproofing measures in near-term critical flood entry points, evaluate the feasibility of a dune restoration project on Stoney Beach, and continue public outreach to build support for infrastructure adaptations.

 

“Grateful to the Baker Administration and Coastal Zone Management for investing in the commonwealth’s invaluable coastline,” said Plymouth State Representative Mathew Muratore (R-Plymouth). “Thrilled that Plymouth was awarded a $2,000,000 Coastal Resilience Grant to restore a section of Long Beach, which will address storm impacts and better protect the community.” 

 

“Massachusetts coastlines are increasingly threatened by stronger storms and higher seas. The coastal resilience grant program has been a resounding success in funding projects that protect our coastal infrastructure from these risks,” said State Representative Kathleen LaNatra (D-Kingston). “I am thrilled to see Plymouth receive funding to nourish Long Beach and maintain it as an attraction for locals and tourists alike. Thank you to the Baker-Polito Administration for this investment."

 

“These funds will greatly assist the Duxbury Beach Reservation with planning and preparing Duxbury’s coastline for the increase in coastal storms” said State Representative Josh Cutler (D-Duxbury). “Protecting our coastline helps our residents and local businesses in Duxbury bay alike.”

 

The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management is the lead policy and planning agency on coastal and ocean issues within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Through planning, technical and grant assistance, and public information programs, CZM seeks to balance the impacts of human activity with the protection of coastal and marine resources. The agency’s work includes helping coastal communities address the challenges of storms, sea level rise, and other effects of climate change; working with state, regional, and federal partners to balance current and new uses of ocean waters while protecting ocean habitats and promoting sustainable economic development; and partnering with communities and other organizations to protect and restore coastal water quality and habitats.

麻州地鐵橘線今日復駛 麻州長波市長搶報喜訊

麻州州長查理貝克 (Charlie Baker) 搶先在18日宣佈地鐵橘線維修順利，19日復駛。
(周菊子攝)

              (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州綜合報導) 經過一個月的紛紛擾擾後，麻州地鐵橘線今 (19) 日恢復運行。在橘線停駛期間可免費搭乘的通勤火車，波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 今早率5、6名市府員工一同搭乘，匯報一切順利，通勤時間縮短了。

麻州地鐵總經理Steve Poftak (右三)，以及麻州交通廳廳長Jamey Tesler (左二)和地鐵工作
人員一起拿著金釘拍照。 (周菊子攝)

              麻州州長查理貝克 (Charlie Baker) 和麻州地鐵總經理Steve Poftak，以及麻州交通廳廳長Jamey Tesler在18日中午，聯袂趕到塔芙茨 (Tufts) 醫療中心，宣佈橘線地鐵維修竣工。MBTA還準備了和當年美國第一條橫貫大陸鐵路的太平洋鐵路竣工時一樣的金釘，送給州長等人做紀念品。

              波士頓街道長Jascha Franklin-Hodge指出，麻州地鐵的6個限速行駛區，將維持限速行駛一週，以確保新安裝的鐵道路軌及枕木都很安全。

              麻州地鐵局表示，橘線全面停駛30天，讓MBTA得以把要原本安排在週末及晚上，分5年進行的維修工作，擠壓在30天內完成。在這30天內，麻州地鐵共安裝了14000英尺的新鐵道，以及2800個鐵路木枕，更換了3500英尺的軌道，安裝了400個減少震動，使乘坐更舒適的加固器。19日起將有72輛新的橘線車廂投入服務。

波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 和市府街道長Jascha Franklin-Hodge 一起匯報搭乘復駛的
地鐵橘線，一切順利。 (周菊子攝)

              麻州地鐵給出不少數據，包括把橡木林 (Oak Grove) 和摩頓中心的信號纜線從模擬更新為數位模式，在西南迴廊安裝了4500英尺的新信號纜線，預定2023年在新系統投入服務時，會成為信號更新工程的一部分。

              蘇利文廣場 (Sullivan Square) 站的屋頂和頂棚也維修得經得起天氣考驗。森林丘 (Forest Hill) 車站現在可以從華盛頓街以及Banks Place進車站，入口處還鋪了新的大理石地磚等。

              麻州地鐵稱橘線每天為大約10萬人次服務，和新冠病毒疫情前相比，約為早前的49%。

              麻州地鐵稱橘線復駛後，將在劃分為1A區的通勤火車路線中，增加橡木林站到Haverhill 通勤火車站，以為乘客的每日交通提供更多選擇。

              綠線地鐵的聯合廣場到政府中心站，今日也開始恢復服務。

              麻州地鐵早前為徵聘駕駛，提出1萬元的加盟獎金鼓勵，但麻州地鐵稱目前仍短缺200名左右駕駛，該局近日將再次舉辦招聘會，希望能聘得更多地鐵及巴士駕駛，完善服務。