麻州長希利就最近的極端天氣和洪水發表聲明

州長希利就最近的極端天氣和洪水發表聲明

 

(Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州在暴風雪後，面對大雨及淹水嚴重等情況，麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 特地發表聲明。

              奚莉州長說，”副州長Driscoll和我一直在密切關注麻州各地這幾天面對的天氣及淹水情況。麻州的緊急管理局 (MEMA)正在和市鎮領導聯絡，查察有無任何需求，並協調提供恢復所需的支援。我們了解這天遭對我們的是鎮所造成損和和壓力的程度，我們的整個政府都在這兒，為市鎮提供與公安、水電設施，交通等的需求。

              從災難中復原的資源及指南，可以在這兒找到。關於洪水的安全措施可在這兒找到。犀利州長上個月簽署了補充預算，其中包括1500萬元撥給市鎮的疏洪經費。

可以在此處找到有關從災難中恢復的資源和指南。洪水安全提示可以在這裡找到。州長希利上個月還簽署了一項補充預算，其中包括為市政當局提供1500萬美元的抗洪救災資金。

 

Governor Healey Issues Statement on Recent Extreme Weather, Flooding 

 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today issued the following statement as regions across the state have experienced severe flooding as a result of heavy rain after a significant snowstorm: 

 

“Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and I have been closely following the severe weather and flooding that communities across Massachusetts have been experiencing in recent days. Our team at MEMA is in contact with municipal leaders to identify any ongoing needs and coordinate support as communities recover. We understand the level of damage and stress this is causing to our cities and towns, and our entire administration is here to assist with needs related to public safety, utilities, transportation and more.” 

 

Resources and guidance on recovering from a disaster can be found here. Flood safety tips can be found here. Governor Healey last month also signed a supplemental budget that includes $15 million in flood relief funding for municipalities. 

昆士市長Tom Koch連任就職 將為昆市建可容千人表演藝術中心

昆士市長Tom Koch就職致詞。(周菊子攝)

          (Boston Orange 周菊子昆士市綜合報導) 昆士市市長柯奇 (Thomas Koch) 1月8日一早，在James R. McIntyre政府中心，宣誓就位，繼續擔任昆士市建市以來的第33位市長，並將在他第7度連任的這一市長任內，於2025年迎接昆士市建市400週年大慶。

昆士市長Tom Koch在女兒Abigal陪同中，宣示續任第33位
昆士市市長。(周菊子攝)

                                                    柯奇市長指出，昆士市已經為即將於2025年來到的建市400週年大慶，做了許多準備，包括要在Squaw Rock為麻州部落建一個新家，在全市各地種古樹，破土動工的蓋一個新的表演藝術中心。

                                現年61歲的柯奇市長，子承父業，一輩子都在為人民、社區服務。他自己在昆士市出生、長大，進昆士市擔任公僕，已歷時36年，曾任老人局主任，前市長James A. Sheets的執行秘書，以及公園、森林及墓地局主任。2007年當選，2008年上任市長一職迄今，包括2008到2015年間的一任2年，以及後來的一任4年。

                         跨入在位第17

神比小孩基金會創辦人伍振中(左)出席昆士市長Tom Koch就職禮。

年，柯奇市長已經是昆士市有史以來，在位時間最長的市長。一旦他做滿這個任期，他將媲美波士頓前市長萬寧路 (Tom Menino) ，成為麻州市鎮屈指可數，也或許是唯二的在位20年市長。

                    1月8日這天，柯奇市長在麻州副州長Kim Driscoll出席的隆重，女兒Abigal陪伴的溫馨中，由曾任昆士市第四區市議員，現為法官的Brian Palmucci主禮，就著他母親Simone送給他的聖經，宣誓就任。

神比小孩基金會創辦人伍振中(左)恭喜梁秀婷選選連任昆士市不分區市議員。
(周菊子攝)

                     柯奇市長在就職演說中闡述，未來的這4年，他還有許多事要做，以及繼續做，包括昆士市中心的新發展計畫，建新學校，以及全市的寬頻網路。這些建設有DJ Mackinnon 及大西洋發展公司在城中心建專業零售區，RoxRock發展，貝斯以色列狄更斯醫療中心( Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center)經營的大型醫療辦公室，以及蓋更多房屋等等。

昆士市不分區市議員梁秀婷(右三)的父親梁禮湛(右一)，朋友
李關慶萍(右二)都來出席他的連任就職禮。 (周菊子攝)

                     柯奇指出，昆士市正在蓋的一個新學校，DeCristofaro今年會開張，將成為在地方上教育自閉症兒童的模範，昆士市還在設計，募資，要蓋一所Squantum小學，在昆士市西部蓋一所新的小學。

昆士市議會不分區市議員Noel T. DiBona (左)把議長的議事槌
交給新任市議會議長Ian C. Cain (右)。 (周菊子攝)

                         柯奇市長還提及其他發展項目，包括新的公安總部，松丘墓地 (Pine Hill Cemetery)的擴展，華勒斯頓山墓地(Mount Wollaston Cemetery)的翻修，建造數十里長的新路，地下水，天然氣及下水道管線等。由市議員Ian C. Cain提案，護持，在全昆士市建最新的光纖網路工程，也將繼續，Faxon公園，Squaw Rock，退伍軍人體育場等項目也將繼續推動。

                         昆士市將繼續改善亞當斯總統中心 (Adams Presidential Center)，以宣揚昆士市曾出過2位美國總統的豐富歷史，還將推出新的致敬項目，向海事傳統，近年為國效力的年輕退伍軍人表達敬意。

昆士市長就職禮，人們擠滿了禮堂。(周菊子攝)

                        柯奇強調，他昆士市的財政穩定，感到驕傲。儘管昆士市稅賦在麻州之中，既非最高，也非最低，但在2又2分之一條例限制下，維持4000萬元中，為昆士居民堤共了最好的服務。他相信在麻州351個市鎮中，只有屈指可數的幾個市鎮能夠這麼說。

                              在昆士市長的就職禮中，新一屆的昆士市議員也宣誓就任，並推選出第三區市議員Ian C. Cain為市議會議長。昆士市唯一的華裔市議員，不分區市議員梁秀婷也再度連任。

麻州副州長Kim Driscoll (中)出席昆士市市長Tom Koch的就職禮。
(周菊子攝)

Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Northeastern University for Winning $6 Million in Federal Funding to Support Future of Mobile Networks

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Northeastern University for Winning $6 Million in Federal Funding to Support Future of Mobile Networks 

Investments Supported by MassTech Will Boost Wireless Technology Innovation and Economic Competitiveness  

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll administration is celebrating Northeastern University for winning three federal grants totaling $6 million from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund to support their Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things (WIoT). The federal investments supported by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, which provided $1.52 million in capital grant funding from the Technology & Innovation Ecosystem Awards program managed by the Innovation Institute at MassTech. 

Altogether, these NTIA grants – funded by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 – will help unlock innovation in testing and strengthening of the wireless supply chain across the nation, helping reduce costs, increase competition, and lower security risks for future mobile networking. 

“Massachusetts has a proud history of paving the next frontier of telecommunications and is continuing this tradition through the initiative of our colleges and universities, who are staying on the cutting edge of mobile tech,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We want to congratulate Northeastern on their innovative approach to ensuring our communications are more secure, cost-effective, and will create the jobs of tomorrow, and we thank the Biden-Harris administration for making this funding available.” 

“We’re a state filled with the best universities in the country,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “This support from the Biden-Harris administration allows us to further empower our academic institutions and students. By equipping them with the necessary tools, we aim to motivate them to reach exceptional heights in technological innovation.”  

“For more than 50 years, U.S. universities have worked in partnership with government to advance the frontiers of science and maintain our global competitiveness,” said Joseph E. Aoun, president of Northeastern University. “This federal investment in Northeastern’s wireless communications research – supplemented by the Healey-Driscoll administration’s vital support – will enable our scientists to develop break-through technologies that benefit our region, the nation and the world.” 

The three NTIA grants to Northeastern include: 

• August 8, 2023: A $2 million award for the TENORAN project, with partner Dell Technologies, NVIDIA, an automated end-to-end energy-efficiency profiling of Open RAN systems through high-fidelity standardized testing scenarios. 

• November 28, 2023: A $2 million award for DigiRAN project, with partner Dell Technologies, focused on the interoperability, security and performance testing of an open RAN (radio access network architecture) system. 

• January 10, 2024: A $2 million award for AutoRAN project with partner Nvidia, which will research the automation of “end-to-end continuous testing for open and disaggregated cellular systems.” 

  

“Northeastern’s commitment to build a more intelligent mobile networking infrastructure here in Massachusetts has the potential to increase competition and grow our economy,” said Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao. “We’re grateful for the support of the Biden Administration and the NTIA for enabling Northeastern University to pioneer technological advancements, break barriers, build a hub for economic development, and provide workforce opportunities for their student population.” 

“Through these investments, Northeastern will help advance the wireless networks that power our innovation economy, making them more agile, responsive, and secure,” said Pat Larkin, Director of the Innovation Institute at MassTech. “For our startups in the advanced wireless space, this new technology will expand their access to cutting-edge technology and the world-class researchers at NU.” 

“We are grateful to President Biden, Secretary Raimondo and the NTIA for their decision, and congratulations to Northeastern on this exciting award,” said Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure Quentin Palfrey. “We will continue leveraging Massachusetts’s strengths in technology and innovation as we compete for federal funds that strengthen our supply chains, while creating good-paying jobs and investing in our communities.” 

The investments will help Northeastern expand on the WIoT Institute infrastructure to acquire equipment which, combined with their Open 6G Testing & Integration Center, will create a unique facility to test interoperability and AI research around the deployment of 6G wireless, while also building a hub for economic development around Open RAN/6G wireless ecosystem in Massachusetts and a tech incubator for locally based startups. In addition, the public investments will strengthen workforce development efforts around Open RAN and 6G in the state. 

The new tools will complement Northeastern’s existing telecommunications research hubs, such as the wireless network emulator, called Colosseum, and the FCC Innovation Zone, which allows qualified federal “licensees to test new advanced technologies and prototype networks.” 

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches Climate Science Advisory Panel

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches Climate Science Advisory Panel 

New advisory panel to provide essential guidance on current climate data best practices and needs   

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today launched a Climate Science Advisory Panel through the new Massachusetts Office of Climate Science (OCS) to provide expertise on statewide climate science and future projections used to inform state and local climate adaptation planning and projects. The Panel is comprised of experts within Massachusetts and across the region who will advise OCS on the latest advances and applications in climate science related to hazards such as extreme heat, flooding, sea level rise, and health impacts to inform the state's climate adaptation and resilience strategy.   

“Our policies and programs must be guided by the latest data and cutting-edge science to better serve and protect our most vulnerable communities against climate change,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We’re building out our capacity across agencies to ensure we’re using the best information to inform our policymakers and community partners. We’ll be guided by some of the top academics in the region through this panel.”   

“The creation of the Climate Science Advisory Panel will be a tremendous resource as we integrate climate action into every agency in state government,” said Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer. “We must commit to following the latest scientific findings and expand our whole-of-government approach to tackle future extreme climate events. The guidance provided by these experts will ensure that we have the latest data to promote public awareness of climate change and to make the best decisions for our communities.”  

Launched in October 2023, OCS was established within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs as part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s ResilientMass Plan. OCS supports agencies, municipalities, and the public in understanding, accessing, and appropriately utilizing the state’s climate change data in planning, policy, and projects. The Climate Science Advisory Panel will provide critical guidance and understanding of climate research findings to support our communities in adapting to a changing climate. Panelists will guide the development of the State of the Climate Science Report that will inform the Commonwealth’s strategy for updating climate projections to incorporate the latest science and ensure projections are designed to serve the needs of priority populations as well as key adaptation sectors.    

Statements of Support  

Dr. Ellen Mecray (Regional Climate Services Director, Eastern Region NOAA/NESDIS/National Centers for Environmental Information) 

“NOAA is thrilled to see the state climate office established for Massachusetts. The state climate offices around the country are a key player, along with the Regional Climate Centers, in NOAA's ability to deliver climate services to state and local scales. The Massachusetts State Climate Office has a unique approach with assistant state climatologists focusing on coastal and on inland issues. Additionally, they are establishing an advisory panel of academics that will support the office to deliver the best available climate science and information for the Commonwealth.”  

Dr. Sarah Das 

“I am honored to be joining many distinguished colleagues as part of the inaugural Climate Science Advisory Panel convened by the new MA EEA Office of Climate Science. Climate change presents enormous challenges, but our response to these challenges also provides many opportunities. As a resident of coastal Massachusetts, I see daily the climate impacts already affecting the lives and livelihoods of people in our towns and cities. As a mother, I further feel the responsibility and urgency to act in ways that leave not only my kids, but all kids, a safer and more hopeful future. This is truly an “all hands on deck” moment, and I look forward to using my expertise in polar and ocean science to help our Commonwealth build resilient, healthy and sustainable communities, not only for today but for generations to come.”     

Dr. Gaurab Basu 

“As communities across Massachusetts feel the worsening impacts of climate change, a commitment to conducting and explaining climate science has never been more important. Climate science provides us with a foundational anchoring for the policy work needed to urgently build a clean, healthy, and just clean energy future, and to understand how the Commonwealth will need to work to protect our communities from the worst impacts of climate change. A commitment to climate science as a guiding principle for defining the work that must be done is critical to the future of our Commonwealth. It is essential that analysis of the health implications of climate policy is incorporated into this new office, and I'm honored to bring voice to the public health and environmental factors impacting my patients to this work.”  

Dr. Mathew Barlow 

“I am delighted that the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs has established a new Office of Climate Science, led by Dr. Edwin Sumargo. This is another key step in Massachusetts’ comprehensive response to climate change and demonstrates the state’s commitment to science-based decision-making. While the basic science of climate change has been settled for decades, the severity of impacts and the need for urgent response highlight the importance of acting based on the best and most current science. Climate change is a crucial challenge for Massachusetts – as evidenced just this summer with multiple severe flooding events -- as well as an opportunity for leadership in a green economy and an equitable and just response, and I am proud to join the EEA Climate Science Advisory Panel. I look forward to contributing to this vital effort.”  

Dr. Robert DeConto 

“The launch of this Panel could not be more timely, and I am proud to serve the Commonwealth in this capacity. Massachusetts is warming considerably faster than the national average, precipitation events are becoming more extreme, and our coastlines are experiencing accelerating sea level rise. Without thoughtful planning, these mounting environmental stressors will begin to push, and in some cases exceed, the limits of the Commonwealth’s adaptability, with negative and unequal impacts on our communities, economy, ecosystems, and our collective future. To me, this Panel is an important step toward ensuring a thriving, sustainable, and just Massachusetts for generations to come.”  

Climate Science Advisory Panelists 

C. Adam Schlosser, PhD

Senior Research Scientist in the Center for Global Change Science, MIT 

 Dan Li, PhD 

Associate Professor of Earth & Environment, Boston University  

David Boutt, PhD 

Associate Professor of Geosciences, Co-Director of Environmental Science Program, UMass Amherst  

Elizabeth Sawin, PhD 

Founder and Director, Multisolving Institute  

Erin Coughlan de Perez, PhD 

Research Director and Dignitas Professor, Tufts University 

Senior Advisor, Red Cross/Red Crescent Climate Centre  

Gaurab Basu, MD, MPH 

Director of Education and Policy at Center for Climate Health and the Global Environment, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health  

Jayne Knott, PhD 

Principal and Senior Scientist, JFK Environmental Services  

Jon Woodruff, PhD 

Professor of Earth, Geographic & Climate Sciences, Co-Director of Northeast Climate Adaptation Center, UMass Amherst/NECASC  

Klaus Keller, PhD 

Hodgson Distinguished Professor of Engineering, Dartmouth College  

Lucy Hutyra, PhD 

Professor of Earth & Environment, 2023 MacArthur Fellow, Boston University  

M. Patricia Fabian, ScD 

Associate Professor of the Department of Environmental Health, Associate Director at the Institute for Global Sustainability, Boston University  

Mathew Barlow, PhD 

Professor of Climate Science, UMass Lowell  

Michael Iacono, MS 

Chief Scientist, Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center  

Senior Staff Scientist, Verisk - Atmospheric and Environmental Research  

Paul Kirshen, PhD 

Professor of Climate Adaptation, Research Director of the Stone Living Lab, UMass Boston  

Radley Horton, PhD 

Professor, Columbia Climate School, Columbia University  

Robert DeConto, PhD 

Professor of Earth, Geographic and Climate Sciences, Director of School of Earth & Sustainability, UMass Amherst/NECASC  

Robert Kopp, PhD 

Professor of Earth & Planetary Sciences, Director of the Megalopolitan Coastal Transformation Hub, Co-Director of the University Office of Climate Action, Rutgers University  

Sarah Das, PhD 

Associate Scientist, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution  

Stacey Archfield, PhD 

Research Hydrologist, U.S Geological Survey  

Susanne Moser, PhD 

Director and Principal Researcher, Susanne Moser Research & Consulting  

Upmanu Lall, PhD 

Global Futures Professor in the School of Complex Adaptive Systems, Director of the Water Institute, Arizona State University 

State Supplier Diversity Office Announces Partnership with National Organization to Increase Opportunities for Veteran-Owned Businesses

 State Supplier Diversity Office Announces Partnership with National Organization to Increase Opportunities for Veteran-Owned Businesses 

  MOU will streamline process for veterans to have their businesses certified for state contracting 

 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced that the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO), which is responsible for bringing fairness to the state’s bidding and procurement process, has entered into a new partnership that will help veteran-owned businesses bid on contracts across the state.  

The SDO is is partnering with the National Veteran Owned Business Association (NaVOBA), an independent nonprofit that certifies businesses owned by veterans and service-disabled veterans. Both organizations will work together to increase contracting opportunities with veteran-owned businesses.  

“Our Supplier Diversity Office does incredible work every day to expand opportunities for diverse and small businesses to win contracts with the state, which makes our businesses, our economy and our communities stronger,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our veterans have sacrificed so much in service to our country, and we take the responsibility of supporting them very seriously here in Massachusetts. We are proud to launch this new partnership that will lower barriers for veteran-owned businesses to bid for contracts and do business with the state.” 

“This new partnership is an important step in our administration’s efforts to bolster support and services for Massachusetts veterans under the leadership of Secretary Jon Santiago,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We look forward to working with NaVOBA to cut red tape and streamline the process for veterans to do business with Massachusetts.” 

“This is an important step toward removing administrative burdens on veteran-owned businesses to becoming certified, opening up tremendous opportunities for these individuals who have served our country to bid on state contracts and grow their businesses here in Massachusetts,” said Secretary for Administration and Finance Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “I am proud of the work SDO has been doing to expand opportunities and look forward to continuing our efforts to help small businesses thrive.” 

“The SDO has been successful in helping bring fairness in the state’s bidding process through our cross-certification partnerships, such as with the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council, Center for Women’s Enterprise, City of Boston, Disability:IN, and the National LGBTBE Chamber of Commerce,” said SDO Executive Director William McAvoy. “We expect our partnership with NaVOBA to help business owners who have served their country.”  

"NaVOBA is thrilled to join forces with the Supplier Diversity Office in this impactful collaboration,” said Matthew Pavelek, President and CEO of NaVOBA. “Our partnership exemplifies a shared commitment to advancing opportunities for veteran-owned businesses. We aim to empower veterans to thrive in the business world by streamlining the certification process. We appreciate the Executive Office of Veterans Services for their support and commend the Supplier Diversity Office for their dedication to fostering an inclusive and thriving business environment for our nation’s heroes." 

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the SDO and NaVOBA, the SDO will grant certifications to businesses already certified with NaVOBA. Typically, businesses need to apply and undergo an investigation from the SDO before they receive certification. This agreement streamlines the process, making these businesses able to receive the benefits of SDO certification, such as the ability to bid on state contracts and attend SDO trainings and networking events. Certified businesses are also included in the SDO’s listing of certified businesses used by prime vendors and state agencies looking for vendors. 

The MOU also allows the SDO to access NaVOBA’s membership database to reach out to members about becoming SDO certified. 

"Partnerships like the one between the Supplier Diversity Office and NaVOBA ensure veteran-owned businesses play a pivotal role in our economy. This collaboration marks a significant step in fostering their success,” said Secretary pf Veterans Services Jon Santiago. “The Executive Office of Veterans Services strongly supports initiatives streamlining certification for veteran-owned businesses in state contracts, and we commend the Supplier Diversity Office and NaVOBA for their dedication to empowering our veterans."  

"NaVOBA is thrilled to join forces with the Supplier Diversity Office in this impactful collaboration. Our partnership exemplifies a shared commitment to advancing opportunities for veteran-owned businesses. We aim to empower veterans to thrive in the business world by streamlining the certification process. We appreciate the Executive Office of Veterans Services for their support and commend the Supplier Diversity Office for their dedication to fostering an inclusive and thriving business environment for our nation’s heroes." 

The announcement marks the SDO’s latest effort to aid veteran-owned businesses. Recently, the Commonwealth’s Municipal Construction Affirmative Marketing Program (MCAMP), part of the SDO, released new guidelines mandating that certain construction projects must allocate at least three percent of its funding to Veteran-owned Business Enterprises (VBEs) and/or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises (SDVOBEs). This is a first for the Massachusetts construction industry.