Baker-Polito Administration Releases “MA Climate Change Assessment”

 Baker-Polito Administration Releases “MA Climate Change Assessment”

Report Identifies Climate Change Impacts on MA, and Will Inform 2023 State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Strategy

 

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration, through the Executive Office of Energy and Environment Affairs (EEA), today released the “MA Climate Change Assessment,” the first statewide assessment detailing how Massachusetts people, environments, and infrastructure may be affected by climate change and related hazards through the end of the century. This assessment will directly inform the first five-year update to the State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan (SHMCAP) that will be released in Fall 2023. Importantly, it evaluates 37 climate impacts across five sectors: Human, Infrastructure, Natural Environment, Governance, and Economy; and seven regions of the Commonwealth.

 

“Massachusetts continues to take a leadership role in climate action, and this assessment serves as another important tool that will guide the state as we improve our understanding of the impacts of climate change,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are proud of our continued partnership with communities as we work together to build a more resilient Commonwealth utilizing updated and improved climate change information that is easily accessible.”

 

“Central to our Administration’s ongoing efforts to address climate change is implementing strategic, comprehensive, and data-driven climate action to make the Commonwealth a more resilient place to work and live,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Across state government, we continue to be focused on meeting the state’s ambitious decarbonization goals while we work together to understand and prepare for projected climate impacts.”

 

For each of the 37 climate impacts analyzed within the MA Climate Change Assessment, the report answers the following questions:

• How large of an impact does the Commonwealth expect from projected climate hazards on communities, the natural environment, and built infrastructure assets?
• Does the Commonwealth expect populations living in environmental justice communities to be affected more than the rest of the population?
• Is the Commonwealth currently doing enough to adapt to these impacts, and how soon is action needed?

 

“The MA Climate Change Assessment provides the Commonwealth with a data-driven roadmap of the climate impacts that will affect Massachusetts communities, which also identifies where urgent action is needed most,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “The Assessment serves as a critical guiding resource across the state as we work collectively with municipalities and other key stakeholders to reduce risk and build resilience.”

 

The MA Climate Change Assessment draws on the best available climate and impact assessment science, active stakeholder engagement, and broad state agency perspectives and was developed over the last year with state agency staff, local and federal government partners, an expert climate science panel, non-profit and community group representatives, and the public. The report establishes a priority for 16 climate impacts that were determined to be of the highest urgency in the Commonwealth, representing the top three ranked impacts in each of the five sectors and four within the Natural Environment sector. The project consultant team was led by Industrial Economics and included Eastern Research Group, Consensus Building Institute, and Woods Hole Group, in addition to independent subject matter experts from Massachusetts-based universities.

 

“The State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan for the Commonwealth is the first of its kind to comprehensively integrate climate change impacts and adaptation strategies with hazard mitigation planning,” said Acting MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “The integration of the MA Climate Assessment into the 2023 SHMCAP Update represents Massachusetts’ continued nationwide leadership in ensuring the best available climate science is guiding our cross-government hazard mitigation planning and action across all nine Secretariats.”

 

The findings of this report will directly inform the 2023 update to the SHMCAP, the Commonwealth’s strategic plan for hazard mitigation and climate risk reduction action. The 2023 update is underway and includes a stakeholder engagement process launching next year to inform the statewide action strategy.

 

Since coming into office, the Baker-Polito Administration has worked across agencies and communities to better understand and prepare for the impacts of climate change and has invested over $1 billion in climate initiatives through EEA and its agencies in order to implement mitigation and adaptation efforts. Efforts include the creation of the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program, which has engaged 97% of the Commonwealth’s communities in climate change planning and action and has awarded over $100 million since 2017; the Coastal Resilience Grant Program, which is open to the 78 municipalities located within the Massachusetts coastal zone and has awarded $23 million; the Commonwealth’s inter-agency Resilient MA Action Team (RMAT), which launched a climate resilience design standards online tool to facilitate the application of statewide climate data to the planning and design of capital projects; and the creation and enhancement of the Resilient MA Climate Change Clearinghouse website, which now features updated precipitation and temperature climate projections for the Commonwealth.

 

For more information on the MA Climate Change Assessment, please visit the report’s webpage.

天氣預報週末大風雨 波士頓市長說明市府防範準備 (市府視頻)

波士頓市長吳弭說明暴風雨來襲，市府已做準備。 

            (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 天氣預報說這個聖誕節週末，風雨來襲，沿海可能淹水。波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)和市府官員22日早上聯袂說明市府已做的防範措施，但風速可能高達每小時50到60英里，提醒市民出門小心。

             吳弭表示，市府無意敲警鐘，但這場風雨將是入冬之際，最大的一場風雨，估計降雨量達2英寸。幸運的是，天氣預測目前只是下雨，不會有雪殘留路上。

波士頓市議會議長Ed Flynn向市民

             目前在中西部和大湖區下雪的這場暴風雨，預計週四晚上抵達波士頓地區，一直下雨下到週五，麻州有部分地區會下雪。有些天氣預報認為這場暴風雨在進入東北部及新英格蘭之前，會變成炸彈旋風。

             吳弭表示，由於風速估計很強勁，電線杆、樹枝可能被吹倒，就會有安全顧慮，請看到這些情況的市民，在自己小心之外，撥打311熱線，通知市府工作人員前往處理。

             由於暴風雨來襲時刻估計正是漲潮時間，例如海港區等地段，很可能淹水，市府將在持續更新風雨狀況報告外，在海港區派2輛漲潮援救車駐守，呼籲摩托車等車輛不要開到淹水區，以免遭遇觸電情況。

             波士頓地區的氣溫，到週五中午時，估計約為華氏50多度，還算溫和，但入夜後溫度會陡降，若加上風冷因素，聖誕夜時的感覺會像是溫度只有個位數。

             萬一道路起霜，凍結，波士頓市已準備了4萬噸鹽來維持道路安全。

           

民眾若有意接收天氣警報，可上網boston.gov/alerts，或發短信ALERTBOSTON到888-777這號碼。

 LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022 - 12:00PM

HIGH WINDS, RAIN IN FORECAST

Boston is expected to experience winds of 50-60 miles per hour on Friday until 6 p.m. in the evening, with up to 2 inches of rainfall across the City. If you're planning to go out this weekend, dress warmly, stay dry, and watch for icy conditions and signs of hypothermia.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FORECAST

HIGH WINDS, RAIN IN THE FORECAST FOR THE CITY OF BOSTON

Mayor Wu is urging pedestrians and drivers to use caution when navigating the City this weekend.

The City of Boston is expected to experience wins of 50-60 miles per hour on Friday until 6 p.m. in the evening, with up to 2 inches of rainfall across the City. While the temperature on Friday will be in the 40s, wind chill could drive that down into the low teens on Friday and throughout the weekend.

For anyone planning to go out this weekend, be sure to dress warmly, do your best to stay dry, watch for icy conditions and signs of hypothermia. Mayor Wu and the City of Boston are encouraging residents to avoid driving, if they can. Fewer cars on our streets means fewer opportunities for dangerous incidents. If you must drive, please drive slowly, be especially vigilant, and budget extra time to account for potential road closures.

City departments — including Emergency Management, Boston Water and Sewer, and the Environment Department — will monitor the storm through the National Weather Service.
As a coastal city, Boston could be at risk of coastal flooding, and water levels are expected to be around 3 feet above high tide. If you live in a coastal part of Boston, you can keep up with the latest information on the National Weather Service website.

To stay up-to-date with any alerts from the City, you can sign up for AlertBoston online or by texting ALERTBOSTON, all one word no spaces, to 888-777. We will continue to keep Bboston.gov updated with the latest information about the storm. 

For our unhoused and house-bound neighbors, winter storms can be particularly dangerous. If you see anyone who might be in need of help, or are experiencing an emergency, please call 911. We will have Boston Police and Emergency Medical Services teams available to check in and provide assistance, as needed.

Please note: You can contact 311 for non-emergency questions or service needs, such as downed trees. If any residents see downed trees on public property, please report them to 311.
You can call 311 or submit a request via the app. In this case, we encourage you to use the 311 app if you can, since reference photos are incredibly helpful.

If you come across a downed tree that’s tangled in electrical wires, do report it to 311 but please do not come into contact with the trees, wires, or anything else. Electrical wires could be live, and we want to ensure all of our residents are safe. Once trees are reported, we will work with electrical companies to ensure trees can be cleared safely.

查理貝克政府撥1700萬元補助款 協助地方促進經濟機會

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Over $17 Million in Grants to Increase Economic Opportunity in Communities Across Massachusetts

Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Grant Program Leverages Local Expertise to Support Programs in Areas with High Rates of Incarceration and Poverty

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced over $17 million in grants for 66 projects through the second annual round of the Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Grant Program, which supports projects and programming that entail community-driven responses to community-defined economic opportunities within eligible communities. This competitive grant program supports community projects in locations that have experienced high rates of incarceration and poverty, and in communities comprised of traditionally disadvantaged and underrepresented populations. Additionally, to achieve the program’s equity goals, projects in communities that have historically faced disproportionate challenges to economic growth were prioritized. Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, Undersecretary of Community Development Ashley Stolba, and Assistant Secretary for Communities and Programs Juan Vega joined state and local officials to announce the awards today at More Than Words in Boston’s South End neighborhood. More Than Words received a $450,000 grant for its Job Training and Wraparound Support Partnerships project that will support young people ages 16-24 in Boston who are already court-involved or are disproportionately at risk of becoming involved in the justice system with the comprehensive, long-term supports they need to plan for a stable and successful future, including job training, youth development and life skills programming, case management, career planning, supportive services, housing supports, HiSET and postsecondary education, and occupational training. “Community-based organizations know the needs of their neighbors best, and this funding helps those organizations better empower individuals through access to jobs, small business assistance and other forms of support,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “With today’s announcement, we are proud to have now awarded over $37 million to advance economic opportunity through the Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Grant Program in partnership with the Legislature.” “This is an example of a state program delivering the resources needed to enact locally identified goals related to community and economic development,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We are grateful to the dozens of nonprofits and other local leaders working to improve the lives of residents and businesses in their communities, and are glad to provide this support today.” “Our economy works best when all community members have access to the tools and resources they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “My office is proud to administer this program and deliver an additional $17 million for community-based organizations working to improve economic outcomes for their residents and neighborhoods.” The 66 grant recipients represent 17 communities across the Commonwealth with efforts focused on workforce development, small business development, public health, education, and housing stabilization. Among the awardees, 32 projects are in Gateway Cities, 27 are self-identified Minority-Owned Business Enterprises, 21 are self-identified Woman-Owned Business Enterprises, and three are self-identified LGBTQ-Owned Business Enterprises. First passed into law in December 2020, the Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Grant Program involved the establishment of a Community Empowerment Board to inform application questions and evaluation criteria. As prescribed by law, the seven-member Community Empowerment Board consists of individuals who belong to demographic groups that have been traditionally underrepresented and have historically been at social and economic disadvantages. In addition to the $15 million allocated in the state’s FY2023 General Appropriations Act, the legislation allowed for the carryover of $2.27 million of unused funds from the prior year, making a total of $17,271,000 available for this round. Last year, the Baker-Polito Administration awarded over $20 million to 62 organizations in its inaugural round. The full list of Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Grant Program recipients can be found here.

聯邦政府撥款6680萬元翻修麻州綠線地鐵交響樂廳站

 (Boston Orange 編譯) 聯邦人員19日宣佈，將撥款6660萬元給麻州地鐵 (MBTA)，來翻修1941年建成，波士頓市內最後一個沒有殘障人士通道車站的波士頓交響樂廳站 (Symphony)。

            在綠線地鐵E線上，位於麻州大道 (Massachusetts Ave.)和杭亭頓路 (Huntington 的這車站，已有80年歷史，整修工作將包括升高月台，讓人們上車更容易些，增加4個新的電扶梯，蓋廁所，改善燈光，加設指路標語牌。

            美國交通部聯邦轉運局 (FTA)19日宣佈，經由第一階段的”所有車站無障礙計畫 (ASAP)”，共撥款6億6800萬元，給9個州的15個工程項目。麻州綠線地鐵E線交響樂廳站翻修是其中一項。

            交通部部長Pete Buttigieg表示，每天都有數以百萬計的人們，仰賴公共交通系統去上班，買雜貨，探望親人，”而今天在美國通過殘障法的30年之後，數以百計的車站設施仍然對殘障旅客不友善。

 ”所有車站無障礙計畫 (ASAP)”將在車站增設輪椅坡道，升降電梯，以及更多設備來改變景觀。(更新版)

Friday is Deadline for MA Residents to Start the New Year with Coverage through the Health Connector

 Friday is Deadline for MA Residents to Start the New Year

with Coverage through the Health Connector 

 

BOSTON – The deadline for Massachusetts residents to start the New Year with health coverage is looming, with Friday, Dec. 23 being the last day to enroll with Massachusetts Health Connector, for coverage starting in January. 

 

The Health Connector’s Open Enrollment runs through Jan. 23, 2023, but the busiest deadline annually is the December date leading to January coverage. Residents who need coverage can go to MAhealthconnector.org to sign up or find local help with an application. 

 

“Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in coverage, with more than 97 percent of the state having health insurance, but there are still people who need access,” says Louis Gutierrez, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “Getting coverage through the Health Connector means having the peace of mind that comes with being able to see a doctor when needed, as well as getting access to free preventive health care and other services.” 

 

Residents can get an estimate for health plan costs in two minutes or less by visiting the Health Connector’s online Get an Estimate tool. For those looking for one-on-one assistance with an application, there are 19 Navigator organizations in more than 30 locations that have trained, experienced people available to help complete an application and pick a plan. People with questions or need assistance can also use the Health Connector’s new online chat service, or call customer service at 888-MA-ENROLL if they need additional help. 

 

The Health Connector makes health insurance and services more affordable by offering help paying for monthly subsidies, including through the ConnectorCare program that includes premiums as low as $0, low co-pays, and no deductibles; as well as extended federal Advance Premium Tax Credits that can help pay for thousands of dollars of premiums a year.  

 

The majority of people who apply for health coverage through the Health Connector will qualify for help lowering their health care costs. Also, new for ConnectorCare members in 2023 are $0 co-pays for a number of important medications for chronic conditions, like diabetes, asthma, coronary artery disease and hypertension.

候任奚莉政府宣佈 K&A將負責搜尋下任麻州地鐵總經理

                (Boston Orange編譯) 麻州候任州長奚莉 (Maura Healey)及候任副州長Kim Driscoll今 (20)日宣佈，下一任麻州地鐵 (MBTA)總經理將由Krauthamer $ Associates公司負責搜尋。

               奚莉表示，找一個最好的人來當麻州地鐵總經理，對麻州未來的交通系統，經濟，人力及住宅和經濟競爭力都非常重要，她和Kim Driscoll因此決定聘請K&A 這家在搜尋主管級人才經驗豐富的獵頭公司來承擔重任，做全國性，甚至國際性的搜尋。

               麻州地鐵現任總經理Steve Poftak已宣佈，將於2023年1月3日離職。屆時麻州現任州長查理貝克 (Charlie Baker)會指派一名臨時總經理。

Healey and Driscoll Retain Krauthamer & Associates to Conduct Search for Next MBTA General Manager

BOSTON – Governor-elect Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor-elect Kim Driscoll announced today that they have retained the executive search firm Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) to conduct the search for a permanent General Manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). K&A is the premier transit search firm in the field and has placed hundreds of executives in transit agencies across the country, including through other state contracts in Massachusetts.

“Lieutenant Governor-elect Driscoll and I hired Krauthamer & Associates because choosing the best person to be the next MBTA General Manager is critical for the future of Massachusetts’ transportation system, economy, workforce, housing sector and economic competitiveness,” said Governor-elect Healey. “K&A will be looking statewide, nationally and internationally to identify strong candidates who have transit and management experience and who understand the urgency of ensuring safety, reliability and accessibility issues across the system.”

“K&A has a proven track record of hiring strong, qualified and diverse candidates for transit roles in state government. They understand the industry and are uniquely qualified to support this critical search,” said Lieutenant Governor-elect Driscoll. “We look forward to engaging with advocates, legislative leaders, labor partners and community members to find the best candidate to move the MBTA and Massachusetts forward.”

The current MBTA General Manager, Steve Poftak, announced that he will step down on January 3rd. At that time, Governor Charlie Baker will appoint an Interim General Manager. K&A has been retained to hire the next permanent General Manager.

Maura Healey新設全美首個氣候長職位 Melissa Hoffer出掌

Melissa Hoffer將出任麻州氣候長。 (犀利陣營提供)

          (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 麻州候任州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 19日宣佈，新政府內閣將新設全美首個氣候長 (Climate Chief) 職位，由她的舊部屬Melissa Hoffer出掌該職，負責推動類似前州長Deval Patrick在生物科技領域10年10億美元的大規模投資，讓麻州成為環保科技的世界中心。

             奚莉也將聘請新人來主掌麻州地鐵 (MBTA)，考慮是否由麻州公共設施廳來負責監管麻州地鐵的安全事宜。麻州地鐵現任總經理Steve Poftak已於11月1日宣佈，從2019年1月接任該職的他，即將於2023年1月3日卸任。

             坊間近來猜測查理貝克(Charlie Baker) 政府中的健康及人民服務長Marylou Sudders，是否會留任。19日傳出，她已於11月遞交文件，預定2023年1月5日離職。

             數日前，奚莉還宣佈了聘請Barr基金會的資深教育專員，有20多年公校教育經驗，當過高中老師、校長，以及Lynn學區學校總監的Patrick Tutwiler 博士，出任教育廳廳長。

             麻州未來的氣候長Melissa Hoffer目前是美國環保署 (EPA)的首席副總法律顧問，之前在2012年時曾任麻州總檢察長辦公室的環保局長，2015年在奚莉的總檢察長任內擔任能源及環保局局長，率領該辦公室起訴埃克森美孚 (ExxonMobil)在氣候變化對該公司所造成的危險上，欺騙投資者及消費者。

           氣候長一職是奚莉政府的新設內閣級職位，將從氣候、環保角度在緊急狀況準備、土地使用，農業、人力發展、清潔科技創新、交通、房屋、教育等等方面，做跨部會整合，並直接向州長匯報，協助奚莉達到2030年時麻州電力100%來自清潔能源，到2040年時，麻州的公共交通系統以清潔能源電動化。

             Melissa Hoffer也曾任職於保護法基金會，WilmerHale律師事務，以及波士頓聯邦法院法官Joyce London Alexander的法律助理。她或有東北大學法律系法律博士學位，塔芙茨大學 (Tufts)環保管理證書，麻州大學教育碩士，以及Hampshire學院學士學位。她在麻州Barre有個農莊，飼養了一小群尼日利亞侏儒奶山羊。

             奚莉在和波士頓環球報晤談時透露，她希望聘請在交通方面有經驗的人來主掌麻州地鐵，把州政府擁有的土地轉型成為新住宅，打造對企業友善的訊息，形成生動活潑景觀，把人才留在麻州，而不是遷移到加州、德州或北卡。

             奚莉強調，她要讓麻州變得更有競爭力。 (更新版)

麻州公佈2022清潔能源業報告 (州政府視頻)

 Baker-Polito Administration Announces $180M in Funding Through the Offshore Wind Ports Infrastructure Investment Challenge

Administration Releases the 2022 Clean Energy Industry Report

 

CHARLESTOWN - The Baker-Polito Administration today announced $180 million in funding through the Offshore Wind Ports Infrastructure Investment Challenge, a competitive funding opportunity opened earlier in the year which seeks to expand and develop port infrastructure at three key harbors along the Massachusetts coast.

 

“Massachusetts’ path to Net Zero in 2050 requires substantial investments in offshore wind, and today we are taking another giant step forward in achieving a clean energy future through the $180 million Offshore Wind Ports Infrastructure Investment Challenge,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am proud of the collective progress we have made in the Commonwealth, and am eager to see our residents and businesses directly benefit from the use of clean energy for years to come through the commercial-scale offshore wind projects currently being developed.”

 

“Projects funded through the Offshore Wind Ports Infrastructure Investment Challenge will have a significant impact on the advancement of the sector, and will capture high-value supply chain and workforce opportunities in the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “This $180 million investment will not only provide clean, affordable energy, but will also help revitalize gateway communities by delivering valuable jobs for our residents.”

 

Today, the Administration is also announcing the release of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s (MassCEC) 2022 Clean Energy Industry Report. This year’s report identified that the industry has directly employed 104,290 Massachusetts residents and indirectly generated another 95,046 jobs. The Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry outpaces several other industries with opportunities spread throughout the Commonwealth. Based on the report’s analysis, the Massachusetts clean energy industry is responsible for a total economic contribution of 199,336 jobs, $28.4 billion in gross state product, $1.8 billion in state and local tax revenue, and $3.5 billion in federal taxes.

 

“The generation of offshore wind energy serves as a key component of Massachusetts’ strategy to meet its climate goals and achieve Net Zero in 2050. The investments announced today by the Baker-Polito Administration is a major step in our work to support and provide clean, affordable energy to our residents,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “As outlined in the 2022 Clean Energy Industry Report, Massachusetts has a robust clean energy sector, which will continue to grow as additional investments are made, ultimately providing thousands of jobs and increasing the value of local economies throughout the Commonwealth.”

 

Key elements of the offshore wind infrastructure landscape in Massachusetts include two pioneering facilities. MassCEC’s Wind Technology Testing Center in the City of Boston’s Charlestown neighborhood, which is one of only six facilities in the world capable of fatigue testing the latest in blade technology, and MassCEC’s New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal, which is the first purpose-built for offshore wind port in the country. In January 2023, Vineyard Wind will commence its lease of the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal, and with its contractors and suppliers, will begin operations at the construction base port of the nation’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm. Offshore wind developers Mayflower Wind will also have a lease for the Terminal, committing the facility to projects through most of 2027.

 

“MassCEC is thrilled to continue play a critical role in the investments of offshore wind ports infrastructure, and these projects will each serve an important role in the offshore wind supply chain that will help prepare Massachusetts for a future powered by wind,” said MassCEC CEO Jennifer Daloisio. “Significantly, that future also brings high value jobs, a more inclusive workforce, a broader adoption of innovative clean energy solutions, and a growing future for this industry.”

 

The funding being announced today will expand the scope and depth of offshore wind port infrastructure in the Cities of New Bedford and Salem, and the Town of Somerset. Through the Massachusetts Offshore Wind Industry Ports Investment Challenge competitive funding opportunity, administered by MassCEC, $135 million is being invested in port redevelopment projects through the following awards:

• $75,000,000 to Crowley Wind Services and the City of Salem for the conversion of a former coal-fired power plant industrial property in Salem into a world class purpose-built offshore wind marshalling port. Work also includes expanding the public-private partnership with the Commonwealth, to ensure that this facility will be available to support the state’s important offshore wind and climate goals, with MassCEC and Salem taking ownership of the site and leasing back to Crowley to operate the wind port.
• $25,000,000 to Prysmian Projects North America for the redevelopment of part of the Brayton Point Marine Commerce Center in Somerset to construct a manufacturing facility and terminal for marine high voltage cables.
• $15,000,000 to New Bedford Port Authority for the improvement of its North Terminal 1 port facility, with bulkhead and terminal space, and the modernization of port-wide operations to efficiently manage increased vessel traffic.
• $15,000,000 to New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal for the redevelopment of the former Sprague/Eversource power plant, transforming the legacy site into a modern offshore wind port supporting operations and construction activities, with new heavy-lift quayside, laydown space, and berthing for feeder barges and service operations.
• $4,639,200 to Shoreline Marine Terminals for the build-out of marine terminals with new bulkhead, docking space, lift piers, fueling capacity and other infrastructure which will support the day-to-day operations of offshore wind crew transfer and other vessels for vessel maintenance and repairs in the port of New Bedford.
• $360,800 to Gladding Hearn Shipbuilding for shipyard upgrades to enable the local facility in Somerset to fabricate and repair aluminum high-speed crew transfer vessels for Vineyard Wind, Mayflower Wind and other projects.
• $45,000,000 to MassCEC’s New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal for facility improvements to ensure it can accommodate the current and future offshore wind projects.

 

“In New Bedford, we have long recognized that to compete successfully for investment from the offshore wind industry, we need to build port infrastructure that meets the industry’s needs,” said New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell. “I would like to thank Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, Secretary Card, the MassCEC team, and the legislative leadership for providing the resources necessary to activate projects that are shovel-ready for construction.”

 

“Offshore wind is key to achieving our Commonwealth's climate goals, promoting energy security, and generating thousands of good clean energy jobs,” said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. “Building off the legislature's 2022 Climate Act and Economic Development Bill, these strategic investments ensure Massachusetts's ports and port communities are prepared to capture the economic benefits as we lead the nation in this burgeoning new industry.”

 

This ports investment also includes a commitment to the state-owned New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal for capital improvements to ensure the Terminal can accommodate the current and future size of offshore projects​.

MAYOR WU CELEBRATES 2022 GRADUATING CLASS OF IMMIGRANTS LEAD BOSTON

MAYOR WU CELEBRATES 2022 GRADUATING CLASS OF IMMIGRANTS LEAD BOSTON

The 20 graduates represent 8 Boston neighborhoods, come from 17 countries, and speak 14 languages

BOSTON - Monday, December 19, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu celebrates the 20 immigrant leaders graduating from Immigrants Lead Boston, a program by the City of Boston Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement. This year’s graduates represent 8 Boston neighborhoods, come from 17 countries, and speak 14 languages. The graduation was at Boston City Hall on Friday, December 16.  “As the daughter of immigrants, this program has a special place in my heart,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “These leaders are adding their voices to our communities and I’m thrilled for their leadership. Congratulations and thank you!” Immigrants Lead Boston is an annual program for Boston immigrants who wish to become community leaders, advocates, and organizers. Selected residents go through a 12-week course and meet key City of Boston officials and learn how to effectively navigate local government. Graduates join a growing alumni network of immigrant leaders.  “Boston has been the only home I’ve known since I first arrived in the USA,” said one of this year’s graduates, Karina Flores Ramirez. “In my neighborhood of East Boston, I envision a community that helps each other and works together to tackle the current obstacles we are facing. I envision a community full of resources for all ages and in all languages, and one where we are assured that we are not alone.” This year’s class met with City officials from eight cabinets along with City Council members and local nonprofits that do advocacy work here in Boston. Participants also proactively reached out to City leaders, participated in community meetings for the first time, and testified at a City Council hearing about how to support newly-arrived migrants in Boston.  “We started this program because immigrants are integral to our communities, but they often don’t know what resources are available to them because they didn’t grow up here,” said Monique Tú Nguyen, Director of the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement. “This program helps close that gap so immigrant leaders have a seat at the table to build a better Boston for all.” During this year’s graduation ceremony, participants shared their reflections from the program and asked the Mayor questions. This year’s ceremony also marked International Migrants Day and celebrated how Mayor Raymond Flynn pioneered the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement 35 years ago in 1987 as the Immigrant Rights Unit.  “During a tough stance on immigration at the federal level, Mayor Flynn created the Immigrants Rights Unit to provide a more compassionate and humane approach towards those in search of a better life,” said City Councilor Ed Flynn. “I’d like to congratulate the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement for continuing this important work and ensuring our immigrant neighbors can fully and equitably participate in all aspects of life.”

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY, SECURING $14.5 MILLION TO EXPAND MUSICAL EDUCATION FOR BOSTON STUDENTS

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY, SECURING $14.5 MILLION TO EXPAND MUSICAL EDUCATION FOR BOSTON STUDENTS

BOSTON - Monday, December 19, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced a partnership with New England Conservatory (NEC) to substantially increase access to high-quality music education for children. The initiative, funded by a $14.5 million grant secured by NEC, is a significant expansion of resources to provide young people music education that is instrumental to their academic growth, especially students who don’t typically have access to arts opportunities. The Mayor made the announcement alongside Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper at the Ellis Early Learning Center in the South End.  “Performing arts are a crucial pillar of growth for our young people, an outlet for individual expression and community building,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m so grateful to NEC for providing both the funds and the professional expertise to help Boston’s young people explore new talents. This program will deliver music instruction and instruments to our students that will make a difference in their lives long after their school days end.” “New England Conservatory’s commitment will change lives across the City,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “We’re incredibly grateful to Mayor Wu, NEC and our entire village for helping our youngest students experience the joy of music education.” “This extraordinary generosity will change music education for the better in this City,” said Boston School Committee Chairperson Jeri Robinson. “This partnership with the City will fuel students’ musical dreams and give them the opportunity to follow their passion, wherever it might lead them.” “Music education is transformational for children, and supports their holistic learning—enhancing cognitive skills, activating creativity, and fostering connection, engagement, and confidence. Increasing equitable access to music education for students in the City of Boston will create new learning opportunities that we are excited to offer,” said NEC President Andrea Kalyn. “We look forward to providing music education to Boston students from their earliest-years through graduation and beyond.” The partnership will start by expanding offerings for Pre-K through early elementary school students and increasing scholarships to NEC Prep by 150%. The pilot program to increase access to early music education will begin in the Ellis Early Learning and ABCD Head Start program. The new pilot will include: New courses through NEC Prep that establish a strong foundation in music for young learners Financial aid to remove barriers for students across the City Access to instruments that students can use at no-cost or borrow rent-free NEC Prep faculty and staff support to foster the program, including a new early childhood director and professional training for faculty working with students Boston Public Schools has expanded music education specifically with the addition of the MassCore graduation requirement. This gift will create more access and opportunity for students across the City. These expanded NEC Prep scholarships will be offered starting for Fall 2023, and interested students and families can sign up for more information at www.necmusic.edu/prep/resources. “Ellis Early Learning Center is thrilled and deeply grateful to be part of this exciting  program with the City of Boston and the New England Conservatory,” said Lauren Cook, CEO of Ellis Early Learning Center. “This extraordinary music partnership will bring high-quality, developmentally appropriate, consistent music programming to our City’s youngest learners.” “Studies show that consistent exposure to music through learning to play a musical instrument or taking voice lessons strengthens critical academic and social-emotional skills in all children, including preschoolers," said ABCD President and CEO Sharon Scott-Chandler. "We are delighted that the New England Conservatory of Music will bring its expertise and its humanity to ABCD Head Start, a very special early education program that offers comprehensive services to Boston’s under-resourced children and families." NEC has extensive experience developing high-quality musical programming for musically interested students. NEC Preparatory School (NEC Prep) provides more than 1,600 students across New England, from beginners to advanced young musicians, with lessons, classes, and ensembles every week. It is one of the largest preparatory programs of its kind in the nation. This work adds another dimension to NEC’s relationship with the City of Boston and builds upon the successful NEC Community Performances and Partnerships (CPP) Program, one of the premier programs in the nation for engaging conservatory students with their community through meaningful partnership activities and high-quality training. CPP interacts with close to 21,000 people through over 600 events annually across ages, neighborhoods, ethnicities, and financial status in Boston and beyond.  This announcement builds on Mayor Wu’s commitment to supporting early education and investing in Boston’s youngest residents. In November, Mayor Wu announced the recipients of grants totaling $7,000,000 in ARPA funding, designed to address early childhood workforce challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also in November, Mayor Wu announced another allocation of APRA funds to support child care centers providing early childhood programming to essential workers working non-traditional hours, support child care workers by providing them immediate compensation relief, and provide training and technical assistance to child care centers. Recipients of this assistance included ABCD and Ellis Early Learning Center.   ABOUT NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY  Founded by Eben Tourjée in Boston, Massachusetts in 1867, the New England Conservatory (NEC) represents a model of music school that combines the best of European tradition with American innovation. This independent conservatory stands at the center of Boston’s rich cultural history and musical life, presenting concerts at the renowned Jordan Hall on Huntington Avenue, recognized as Boston’s Avenue of the Arts. As a not-for-profit institution that educates and trains musicians of all ages, NEC cultivates a diverse, dynamic community, providing music students of more than 40 countries with performance opportunities and high-caliber training from 225 internationally esteemed artist-teachers and scholars.