MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES $3.9 MILLION IN NEIGHBORHOOD JOBS TRUST FUNDING AWARDED TO SUPPORT JOB TRAINING AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR BOSTON RESIDENTS

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES $3.9 MILLION IN NEIGHBORHOOD JOBS TRUST FUNDING AWARDED TO SUPPORT JOB TRAINING AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR BOSTON RESIDENTS

 

BOSTON - Tuesday, August 6, 2024 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development (OWD) today announced the allocation of $3.9 million of Neighborhood Jobs Trust (NJT) funding to 24 community-based organizations in Boston. NJT funding supports local organizations that provide low-to-moderate-income adults with job training and support services ensuring the full participation of all Boston residents in the city’s economic vitality and future. The grants, ranging from $50,000 to $1.37 million, will serve approximately 2,000 residents while allowing the grantees to leverage $22 million in additional funding. The Neighborhood Jobs Trust is a public charitable trust created to ensure that residents directly benefit from large-scale real estate development in Boston through quality jobs, job training, and related services.  “The Neighborhood Jobs Trust is critical in connecting our residents to crucial job training and support services and ensuring Boston continues to be a home for everyone,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m thrilled to support these 24 excellent community organizations and look forward to their efforts that empower our residents across neighborhoods and strengthen our economy.”  Funding in the trust is replenished by Jobs Linkage fees paid by developers of large-scale commercial projects in the city. NJT has received over $55 million in Linkage funds to support Boston’s education and workforce development efforts, with $3.4 million disbursed in fiscal year 2023.    "I’m proud that the work we do through the Article 80 development review process continues to support the Neighborhood Jobs Trust,” said Chief of Planning Arthur Jemison. “With a scheduled increase in Linkage fees occurring at the beginning of this year, I am thankful to our partners in the development community for working with us through any hurdles to ensure continued support for these programs.”   The Neighborhood Jobs Trust award recipients were selected through a public Request for Grant Applications (RFGA) process administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The selected organizations will prepare Boston residents for in-demand careers in various high-growth industries and growing markets including clean energy and technology, human services, hospitality, and healthcare. NJT prioritizes supporting underserved populations including English Language Learners, immigrants, residents of color, individuals experiencing housing instability or homelessness, residents who are court-involved, and individuals with disabilities. To that end, the programs provided by the awardees are designed to serve individuals facing barriers to employment and incorporate supportive wrap-around services.  “Many residents still face barriers to employment and free education and job training programs can change the trajectory of their lives,” said Chief of Worker Empowerment Trinh Nguyen. “I am incredibly proud of these organizations and engaged employers that support our workforce by providing these opportunities through innovative programming that prioritizes underserved and underrepresented communities. By investing in these programs, the City of Boston is connecting residents to critical career pathways in growing industries and expanding the city's talent pool for employers.”  "I am impressed and inspired by the crucial work being done every day by this year's NJT grantees to ensure that every Boston resident can benefit from the opportunities the city offers,” said Liz Hughes, Senior Program Manager of the Neighborhood Jobs Trust. “I look forward to partnering with each grantee to help them succeed in their mission, and I'm proud to live and work in a city that prioritizes investment in its people."  Among this year’s grantees are four organizations receiving first-time NJT funding through the New and Emerging Programs category included in this round of grant-making:  The Loop Lab: which will train young adults from underserved communities without college degrees for careers in the creative economy Empowered And Dedicated to Edify the Nation (EDEN): which will train single mothers for a healthcare career Friends of the Rafael Hernandez School: which will train low-income Spanish-speaking adults to become dual language educators Jamaica Plain Community Center Adult Learning Program: Program will train English Language Learners for a Certified Nursing Assistant Certification while improving their English language proficiency.   NJT created the New and Emerging Programs category to create pathways for smaller grassroots programs that might not otherwise have access to City of Boston funding. This category targeted smaller community-based organizations with operating budgets under $1.5 million that had not previously received NJT funding with priority for programs located in or serving communities underrepresented in NJT’s portfolio and organizations led by people of color with leadership that reflects the communities they serve. In addition to funding, the four recipients will also receive technical assistance to aid them in developing new workforce development programs or building the capacity of their existing training programs. Through this additional procurement category, NJT provided these community-based organizations with the critical support necessary to advance their mission and enable them to be more competitive in their applications for future funding opportunities.   “Friends of the Hernández is proud to partner with the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development for our Primeras Maestras (‘First Teachers’) program,” said Nereida Tejeda, Executive Director of the Friends of the Rafael Hernández School. “The program trains participants to become dual language educators and has a huge impact on participants, their children, and the children in the classrooms in which they train. We look forward to expanding our work, helping members of our community leverage their Spanish language and child-rearing skills as assets for professional success.”   "We at The Loop Lab are thrilled to collaborate with NJT and the Office of Workforce Development to offer our esteemed Media Arts Apprenticeship Program to a new group of apprentices at our downtown Boston Academy," said Christopher Hope, Founder and Executive Director of the Loop Lab. "With NJT's support, our flagship media arts program will deliver technical media arts education, job training, and paid fellowships to a new cohort of underestimated young individuals from underserved communities. This initiative will empower them to pursue successful careers as audio/video professionals and digital storytellers, giving them access to high-growth opportunities in this dynamic field of the creative economy."  To view the full list of Fiscal Year 2024 NJT grant recipients, visit boston.gov/neighborhood-jobs-trust.

麻州經濟協調委員會批准8計畫參加獎勵項目 將創造234工作機會發放123萬餘元州稅抵減

Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council Approves New Projects to Receive Over $1.2 Million in Tax Credits   Projects Will Create 234 New Jobs, Retain 159 Existing Jobs, and Spur $109 Million in Private Investment

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) has approved eight projects for participation in the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP), a program that seeks to create new jobs and help businesses grow by offering credits to lower taxes in exchange for job creation. These projects are expected to create 234 net new jobs and retain 159 jobs statewide, receive $1,232,000 in state tax credits, and leverage approximately $109 million in private investment. Of this round’s applications, five incentive recipients are manufacturers and seven projects are located in Gateway Cities. Additionally, the EACC has approved two new Vacant Storefront Districts and one new Vacant Storefront Project that will receive EDIP refundable tax credits of $10,000. "The Economic Assistance Coordinating Council offers important tools that allow the state to invest in Massachusetts businesses and help them grow,” said Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao. “This new round of tax credits will support job creation and expansion for businesses from a diverse range of industries that keep our economy moving forward, from seafood processors to medical device manufacturers.”  The Healey-Driscoll administration's economic development bill, the Mass Leads Act, would reform EDIP to lean into Massachusetts’ competitive advantage in supporting early stage, high-growth companies. While maintaining the existing overall statutory cap, this legislation would increase the cap on refundable credits to make the program fully refundable and improve program mechanics to strengthen execution as a key business development tool for the state, especially as it pertains to supporting the startup economy in Massachusetts. “Our goal is to make Massachusetts the best place for businesses to launch, grow, and succeed,” said Undersecretary of Economic Foundations Ashley Stolba. “Through this latest round of incentives, we are partnering with communities across the state to support business growth in cities and towns of all sizes, including Gateway Cities.”  The projects include: EDIP Certified Projects  EDIP is designed to foster job creation and stimulate business growth. A company that participates in EDIP may receive state tax credits and local property tax incentives in exchange for a commitment to create new jobs, retain existing job, and commit private investment to the project.  Natural Stone Wall Solutions - Acton Natural Stone Wall Solutions (NSWS) was founded by a team of engineers and certified landscape architects using an innovative, cost-effective approach to masonry. The company is seeking to develop a controlled manufacturing environment and plans to invest $3.2 million in a new facility that will result in 20 new jobs and the retention of 11 existing jobs. The EACC approved $100,000 in EDIP tax credits and the Town of Acton approved a five-year tax increment financing (TIF) of $18,571.  Heav'nly Commissary Inc. - Methuen Heav'nly Commissary Inc. has been a longstanding member of the community since 1975, producing donuts and operating out of storefronts in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Heav’nly is seeking to expand to a new bakery facility at 25 Calumet Road in Methuen that contains seven times the amount of space of their current facility. With this expansion, the bakery expects to add 25 new jobs, retain 14 existing jobs, and make a private investment of $6.1 million. The EACC has approved $375,000 in EDIP tax credits and the City of Methuen has approved a five-year TIF valued at $52,164. Horacio’s Inc. - New Bedford Horacio’s Inc. was founded in 1980 and is a leader in stainless steel fabrication for a wide variety of industries including the food service industry. Horacio's intends to expand its current facility by adding an additional 17,000-square-feet of manufacturing space as well as an additional 7,500-square-feet of office space. This expansion will help the company meet current demands, broaden its client base, and continue providing high-demand products and services across various industries, particularly in the food service sector. Horacio's intends to create at least seven new jobs while retaining 52 existing jobs and make a private investment of $3 million. The state has approved $105,000 in EDIP tax credits and the City of New Bedford has approved a 10-year TIF valued at $82,461. Wildfish LLC DBA Red's Best - New Bedford  Red's Best is a Boston based seafood wholesaler that aggregates from more than 1,000 small community-based fishing boats annually.  The company is looking to expand by purchasing and outfitting a 13,000-square-foot building in New Bedford. As a result of this relocation and expansion, Red’s Best will create 30 net new jobs, retain 39 jobs and make an investment of $2.7 million. The state has approved $550,000 in EDIP tax credits and the City of New Bedford has approved a five-year Special Tax Assessment valued at $83,154. Elegant Stitches Inc. - Pittsfield Elegant Stitches is a family-owned custom embroidery and screen-printing company that supplies branded apparel and promotional products to companies, teams and community groups. It is relocating and expanding to a 22,000-square-foot design and manufacturing studio at 15 Commercial Street in the Virgilio Business Park in Pittsfield. This expansion will allow Elegant Stitches to increase its decoration capacity and introduce new services. The company plans to create eight new jobs, retain eight jobs, and make a private investment of $1.7 million. The state has approved $102,000 in EDIP tax credits and the City of Pittsfield has provided economic development grants valued at $250,000.  Local-Only Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Projects A TIF is a negotiated agreement between a business and host municipality. The percentage exemption applies to the incremental increase of assessed value of the parcel due to the private investment and the agreement may include exemptions on personal property tax. Invagen Pharmaceutical Inc. - Fall River Invagen Pharmaceutical is a large India-based manufacturer of inhalable medical products with a location in Fall River. The company is seeking to expand its warehouse space, enhance its quality control facilities, establish a plant for producing developmental and clinical batches and improve its overall operational efficiency and compliance with regulatory requirements. The company will retain 19 jobs, create 50 new jobs, and make a private investment of $20 million. The City of Fall River has approved an eight-year TIF valued at $382,903. Merrimack Street Property 3 LLC - Haverhill Merrimack Street Property 3 is an asset of Lupoli Companies, an owner and developer of mixed-use property in the Merrimack Valley. The developer is building a new six-story, 660-space parking garage on Merrimack Street in Haverhill as part of a $160 million mixed-use project that will include 396 new residential apartments, a food hall, commercial space, and other public space. The garage will replace a city-owned parking deck that is in poor condition. The developer will retain two jobs, create two new jobs, and make a $20 million investment. The City of Haverhill has approved a 20-year TIF valued at $1.6 million. ERD Metal Inc. - Westfield ERD Metal is an aluminum manufacturing, extrusion, and distribution company based in Turkey with a location in Massachusetts. In 2023, the company sold its 51,000-square-foot Avon warehouse and purchased a 229,000-square-foot facility in Westfield to create an aluminum extrusion manufacturing center. The company will retain 14 jobs, create 92 new jobs, and make a private investment of $52.5 million. The EACC previously approved $1.4 million in EDIP tax credits at its March meeting. At this week’s meeting, the City of Westfield approved a five-year TIF valued at $18,211. Vacant Storefront Program The Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program helps municipalities revitalize their downtowns and commercial areas. Municipalities may apply to the EACC to designate a defined downtown or other commercial area as a Certified Vacant Storefront District. After such a designation, a business may secure a commitment of local matching funds in order to apply to the EACC for refundable EDIP tax credits for leasing and occupying a vacant storefront in that district. Vacant Storefront Project: Revival Aesthetics LLC - Lowell Revival Aesthetics is a full-service Med Spa providing wellness and skin care treatments that is moving into a storefront at 45 Palmer Street in Lowell. Revival Aesthetics plans to offer injectable treatments, skin revival therapy, vitamin therapy, laser skin brightening, and laser hair removal. Revival received a $30,000 Small Business Expansion loan from the City of Lowell that will be forgiven as long as the business stays open for three years and creates one job. EACC awarded the business $10,000 in EDIP state tax credits.  Vacant Storefront Districts:  City of Medford - Medford has approved six specific districts within the municipality as Vacant Storefront Districts. These districts include Haines Square, Hillside, Medford Square, South Medford, Wellington, and West Medford. There are nine available vacant storefronts in these districts and the municipality’s $100,000 Façade Improvement Program will provide match funding for each new storefront project with a $5,000 grant for exterior façade improvements. Town of Winchendon - Currently, there are eight vacant storefronts in Winchendon, which account for 24 percent of the total storefronts in the town. Winchendon approved two districts as Vacant Storefront Districts, Waterville Plaza and 5 Central Street Plaza. The Winchendon Redevelopment Authority budgeted $10,000 to support two Vacant Storefront Projects per year, allowing $5,000 per business. About the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council The Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) is a state board comprised of public and private sector officials that review and approve Economic Development Incentive Program projects and tax credit incentives. The EACC also approves all local Tax Increment Financing and Special Tax Assessment agreements for municipal property tax relief. The EACC’s is part of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) in the Executive Office of Economic Development, which assists businesses expanding in and relocating to Massachusetts, with specific attention paid to projects that create and retain jobs and invest capital. The MOBD team provides a highly responsive, central point of contact that facilitates access to resources, expertise, and incentive programs for businesses.

麻州長Healey簽署可負擔住宅法 將斥資51億元支持49項政策蓋6萬5千戶住宅

Governor Maura Healey Signs Most Ambitious Legislation to Address Housing Costs in State History  

Affordable Homes Act to build or save 65,000 homes through $5.1 billion in authorizations and 49 policy initiatives 

Governor Maura Healey signedThe Affordable Homes Act . (photo by Chutze Chou)

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today signed into law the most ambitious legislation in Massachusetts history to tackle the state’s greatest challenge – housing costs. The Affordable Homes Act and related initiatives will support the production, preservation and rehabilitation of more than 65,000 homes statewide over the next five years. It is the largest housing bond bill ever filed in Massachusetts, at more than triple the spending authorizations of the last housing bill passed in 2018. 

Governor Maura Healey. (photo by Chutze Chou)

The historic legislation authorizes $5.16 billion in spending over the next five years along with 49 policy initiatives to counter rising housing costs caused by high demand and limited supply. Key spending authorizations and policy changes include allowing accessory dwelling units, an unprecedented investment in modernizing the state’s public housing system, boosts to programs that support first-time homebuyers and homeownership, incentives to build more housing for low to moderate-income residents, support for the conversion of vacant commercial space to housing and support for sustainable and green housing initiatives.  

(photo by Chutze Chou)

“The Affordable Homes Act creates homes for every kind of household, at every stage of life, and unlocks the potential in our neighborhoods. Today we are taking an unprecedented step forward in building a stronger Massachusetts where everyone can afford to live,” said Governor Healey. “What the Affordable Homes Act represents is our ability to come together and address our toughest challenges. I am deeply grateful to our partners in the Legislature for their leadership and look forward to the work ahead in implementing this law and making affordable homes a reality for every resident of our state.”

“Housing plays a critical role in supporting our local economies and this bill will make a meaningful difference in helping Massachusetts residents to live, work and stay here in the state that they love,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We went big with the Affordable Homes Act, and it received incredible support from members of the Legislature, advocates, employers, business leaders and health care professionals. Together we understand the importance of investing in housing in order to remain a competitive state.” 

In addition to the unprecedented level of spending authorizations, the Affordable Homes Act creates key policy initiatives, including allowing accessory dwelling units under 900 square feet by right on single-family lots. Often referred to as in-law apartments, accessory dwelling units can be attached or detached from a single-family home and often take shape as a basement or attic conversion, a cottage in a backyard or a bump-out addition to a home. This new policy replaces a patchwork of zoning regulations across the state with a uniform law that allows homeowners on single-family lots to add these small units without needing a special permit or variance unless they want to add more than one. Construction of ADUs is still subject to local building codes. The Healey-Driscoll Administration estimates that between 8,000 and 10,000 ADUs will be built across the state over the next five years due to passage of the law. 

Another significant policy action enacted with the Affordable Homes Act is the creation of a Seasonal Communities designation. The Seasonal Communities designation is the first step in developing unique tools for communities with a substantial variation in their housing needs due to seasonal employment in places such as Cape Cod and the islands and the Berkshires. A framework for these tools will be developed by a Seasonal Communities Coordinating Council, which the Affordable Homes Act also creates. 

“From ADUs to seasonal communities, this administration in partnership with the Legislature has now adopted some of the most forward-looking and proven practices to not only meet this moment, but also set a course to meet the housing needs of our communities for years to come,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus. “The passage of the Affordable Homes Act is a monumental step toward building a Massachusetts where everyone – from our talented workforce and families to our retirees – can afford to live and thrive.”

In addition to new policy initiatives and spending authorizations for housing, the Affordable Homes Act authorizes a record $2 billion for the repair, rehabilitation and modernization of the state’s public housing portfolio. Massachusetts has the largest public housing portfolio in the U.S. with more than 43,000 units, but it has been underfunded for decades. 

“Public housing is a vital piece of our housing portfolio here in Massachusetts,” said Deputy Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Jennifer Maddox. “It provides access to affordable housing for thousands of residents while also serving as one of our best defenses against homelessness. But for too long it has suffered from underinvestment. With the passage of this bill, we say to those residents, you deserve to live with dignity in a community you can be proud of.”

The bill also creates additional opportunities to develop vacant or underutilized commercial space into housing through the creation of the Commercial Property Conversion program and the Commercial Property Conversion Tax Credit. 

“The availability of housing, particularly housing that families can afford, is at the core of everything we hope to accomplish. Our economy and our state are only as strong as the people who live here, and the Affordable Homes Act represents a huge step forward, giving us the tools we need to speed the production of new homes,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “Since taking office, we have been able to significantly increase capital spending for housing, dedicating 52 percent of the growth in the capital budget over the past two years to this mission. We remain committed to continuing to make progress in this area to realize the full potential of this legislation.” 

Other key initiatives include the creation of the Momentum Fund. This new program creates a permanent revolving fund to be administered by MassHousing to accelerate the development of mixed-income multifamily housing. The Affordable Homes Act authorizes an initial $50 million for the fund, which will help directly move the needle on the development of multifamily homes that can be difficult to build due to the high-cost environment.  

“The Healey-Driscoll Affordable Homes Act is a critically important and comprehensive piece of legislation that will make housing in Massachusetts more accessible, more available and more affordable,” said Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller. “Newton was pleased to welcome Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, Housing Secretary Augustus and Secretary of Administration and Finance Gorzkowicz to Newton for the official signing of this landmark legislation. It is fitting that the ceremony was held at the Golda Meir House so that we can shine a light on the amazing work of 2LifeCommunities, a leader in providing affordable housing here in Newtown and Greater Boston.” 

Other programs receiving dramatic increases in authorizations by the Affordable Homes Act include $800 million for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which doubles the previous authorization, an increase in the Housing Stabilization and Investment Fund to $425 million and $275 million for sustainable and green housing initiatives, which is more than four times the previous authorization. The Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit – a key component for repurposing historic properties for housing – is doubled to $110 million with this law.  

At Tuesday’s event in Newton, Governor Healey also announced new Responsible Contractor Guidance for affordable housing developments funded by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. These standards reflect the commitment of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and HLC to assure that construction workers receive the full protection of our labor laws, including prohibitions against wage theft and compliance with worker protections. The Responsible Contractor Standards further reflect this administration’s commitment to making sure that those who violate these laws do not participate in projects receiving funding from many of the resources authorized in this bill.  

The Affordable Homes Act is one piece of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s strategy to push back against rising housings costs impacting Massachusetts residents. The Administration continues to work with 177 communities on implementation of the MBTA Communities Law signed into law in 2021 and last fall, the governor signed three executive orders targeted at increasing housing production. Those executive orders created a Housing Advisory Council to develop a statewide housing plan, created an Unlocking Housing Production Commission to develop recommendations for streamlining housing production and directed state agencies to develop an expanded inventory of state-owned land suitable for housing. And the governor’s tax cuts signed into law last fall included substantial increases to both the Housing Development Incentive Program and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, two programs important to building both market rate and low-income housing.

麻州獲得聯邦3億8900萬元資助能源輸送及儲存的轉型

 Massachusetts, New England States Selected to Receive $389 Million in Federal Funding for Transformational Transmission and Energy Storage Infrastructure  

States selected to receive highly competitive funds from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Innovation Program for transmission upgrades in Southeastern Massachusetts and Connecticut to connect offshore wind energy into the New England grid and multi-day storage in Northern Maine  

BOSTON – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced it selected the New England states’ Power Up New England proposal to receive $389 million. Power Up, submitted to DOE through the second round of the competitive Grid Innovation Program, features significant investments in regional electric infrastructure including proactive upgrades to points of interconnection in Southeast Massachusetts and Southeast Connecticut to ready the onshore transmission system for up to 4,800 megawatts of additional offshore wind. Power Up will also deploy an innovative, multi-day battery energy storage system in Northern Maine to enhance grid resilience and optimize the delivery of renewable energy. Together, these investments will provide the New England region with access to thousands of megawatts of offshore wind, greater resource diversity, and increased reliability while lowering consumer costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.    

“Massachusetts is moving full speed ahead on clean energy and climatetech,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These game-changing federal funds will mean more jobs, lower energy costs for families and businesses, and cleaner air for all. We’re grateful to DOE for the recognition and support.”  

“Power Up is a big win for electric customers and continues the momentum of federal partnership and regional collaboration here in New England,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These funds will resolve one of the significant challenges of standing up the offshore wind industry here in Massachusetts. We’re proud to see our aggressive federal funding strategy pay off in such an important way.”  

Power Up features significant investments in regional electric infrastructure including proactive upgrades to points of interconnection – new substations that allow for offshore wind to connect to the larger grid – in Southeast Massachusetts and Southeast Connecticut to ready the onshore transmission system for up to 4,800 megawatts of additional offshore wind. Power Up will also deploy an innovative, multi-day battery energy storage system in northern Maine capable of continuously dispatching carbon-free electricity for up to 100 hours, which will provide critical reliability benefits to the power grid, particularly during periods of prolonged cold weather. Together, these investments will allow New England to connect offshore wind power to the grid and cover significant costs that would otherwise fall to ratepayers, further advancing the region’s leadership in offshore wind.  

“With Power Up, we are shifting the way we bring offshore wind into our grid,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We’ve done the hard work to coordinate with ISO New England and developers to ensure we’re making smart, targeted investments to ready our electric grid. DOE’s funding announcement is the perfect crescendo to recent developments in regional transmission policy. We thank the Biden-Harris Administration for this transformational investment in Massachusetts’ clean energy future and New England’s shared power grid.”  

Power Up also advances a robust Community Benefits Plan—a priority for DOE and state energy offices—ensuring that disadvantaged communities in the region benefit from the infrastructure investments needed to support clean energy development. Power Up’s Community Benefits Plan will uplift disadvantaged communities through high-quality jobs and workforce development and training opportunities, including more than $9 million in scholarships and internships and the creation of nearly 500 high-quality jobs, with a total community benefit investment of more than $18 million.   

“Massachusetts is deeply grateful to DOE and proud to have played a lead role in advancing this innovative proposal alongside state partners in New England,” said Weezie Nuara, Assistant Secretary for Federal and Regional Energy Affairs at the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. “These infrastructure investments will transform the region’s power system, adding multi-day storage and enabling up to 4,800 MW of offshore wind, enhancing electric reliability and resilience, and lowering costs to consumers through the integration of additional zero-marginal-cost energy.”     

“We are excited to support this groundbreaking project and to partner with our sister New England states,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “As Massachusetts increases the amount of renewable energy generated in our region, the successful development of our transmission infrastructure will accelerate the path to a cleaner and more reliable electric grid for our residents and businesses.”  

GIP is administered through DOE’s $10.5 billion Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program to fund projects that improve grid reliability and resilience using advanced technologies and innovative partnerships and approaches. The maximum award per project is $250 million, or $1 billion for a project with significant transmission investment, which Power Up features. In the first round of GIP, only one project received an award greater than $250 million.   

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Maine Governor’s Energy Office, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, the New Hampshire Department of Energy, the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resource, and the Vermont Department of Public Service submitted Power Up into the second round of DOE’s GIP in April of 2024. The application was supported by Power Up’s project developers Form Energy, Eversource Energy, and National Grid.    

"This Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding will help us expand our use of clean energy, modernize our electric grid, and create good paying jobs in the process," said Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure Quentin Palfrey. “We are grateful to Secretary Granholm and the Biden-Harris administration for this investment, which will propel us forward in meeting our clean energy goals while supporting a more resilient and reliable electric grid for all of New England."    

“Extreme weather events fueled by climate change will continue to strain the nation’s aging transmission systems, but the Biden-Harris Investing in America agenda will ensure America’s power grid can provide reliable, affordable power,” said Maria Robinson, Director, Grid Deployment Office, U.S. Department of Energy. “The projects selected today will catalyze nearly $10 billion total in public and private investment to increase the capacity of our existing transmission system by leveraging innovative grid technologies and solutions. We look forward to working with the New England States as we support projects that will harden systems, improve energy reliability and affordability—all while generating union jobs for highly skilled workers.”  

The Healey-Driscoll administration has committed to aggressively competing for federal funding for Massachusetts. Since Governor Healey took office in January 2023, the administration has secured a total of $6 billion in federal funding, including more than $3 billion in discretionary grants. This includes $1.72 billion in funding for the Cape Cod Bridge program, $100 million to accelerate the adoption of heat pumps, $75 million for schools to electrify their bus fleets, $60 million for transit agencies to acquire zero- and low-emission buses, and other funding to advance priorities in transportation, climate, and economic development. Governor Healey has also filed legislation that will unlock additional resources for state matching funds technical assistance to increase the competitiveness of Massachusetts applications for federal funding.  

"Today's grant announcement is a major win for our Commonwealth and our planet,” said Whip Katherine Clark. “Harnessing the power of collaboration, Massachusetts and our partners across New England will improve access to clean energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and slash families’ energy bills. This grant was made possible by Democrats’ historic Infrastructure Law, and I am immensely proud to have worked with the Biden-Harris Administration to implement its transformational investments in our communities. Every day, through advances like this, we’re showing what's possible when we invest in a green future: a cleaner planet, a stronger economy, and a better life for everyday Americans."  

“We are thrilled that the Department of Energy has selected Connecticut and our sister New England states’ Power Up New England application for a competitive grid innovation grant,” said Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. “This selection is a strong endorsement of New England states’ longstanding, cooperative approach to solving our region’s grid challenges, including through new and innovative technologies like offshore wind and long-duration storage that will enable us to equitably and affordably transition to a cleaner and more reliable grid.”  

“Maine is a national leader in advancing clean energy and innovation, which will strengthen our economy, stabilize high energy costs driven by fossil fuels, and create good job opportunities all across our state,” said Maine Governor Janet Mills. “This award is a recognition of that leadership. Through collaboration with other New England states to develop innovative energy solutions like Power Up, Maine is taking proactive steps to ensure our energy future is clean, reliable, and affordable. I thank the Biden-Harris Administration for this investment and for its support of our work to build a more resilient, clean electrical grid that can withstand the impacts of a changing climate.”  

"This federal funding award is critical to advancing New England's offshore wind opportunities, improving our regional energy system, and aligning with our Act on Climate clean energy development objectives," said Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee. "I am so proud of the strong collaboration by the New England State Energy Offices in securing these federal funds for our collective consumers, which will provide long-term benefits."  

“This is a great example of states coming together to tackle issues that impact our entire region,” said Vermont Governor Phil Scott. “As we work to reduce carbon emissions through more electrification, and as we continue to see more intense storms in Vermont, this will be an important project to improve the resiliency of the grid.”   

“The Department of Energy’s selection of Power Up New England, which comes on the heels of our recent New England Heat Pump Accelerator Coalition award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is another big win for Connecticut and our sister New England states that reflects our region’s commitment to innovation and DEEP’s successful strategy of leveraging federal funding to achieve our state’s clean energy goals in an affordable manner,” said Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Power Up’s transmission upgrades will lower the cost of future offshore wind projects by providing new ready-made points on the grid for these projects to plug in reliably and affordably. Power Up’s multi-day storage project will help our region demonstrate and deploy this new technology to help balance intermittent resources and utilize clean energy to its fullest extent. Collectively, these projects will contribute to DEEP’s mission to make cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable energy available for the residents and businesses of our state.”  

“By embracing regional collaboration, Maine and New England are advancing necessary upgrades that will make the electric grid more resilient and allow it to deliver more clean energy to households and businesses,” said Dan Burgess, Director of the Maine Governor’s Energy Office. “I thank DOE and the Biden-Harris Administration for this award and for its continued support of ongoing efforts to decarbonize and strengthen electric grid infrastructure across Maine and New England.”   

“Power Up contains innovative approaches that will lower New Hampshire’s electricity costs while increasing reliability,” said New Hampshire Department of Energy Commissioner Jared Chicoine. “This regional effort addresses the challenges of building large-scale infrastructure and will allow cost-saving projects to move forward.”   

"The Power Up New England award from the U.S. Department of Energy marks an important milestone in Rhode Island and New England's development of offshore wind and battery energy storage opportunities,” said Acting Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources Commissioner Chris Kearns. "These federal funds will help secure long-term improvements to our region's energy system for consumers, help accelerate the development of offshore wind, and advance our respective states' climate goals.”  

“The Vermont Department of Public Service is pleased to partner in this effort, which is a prime example of common purpose and effective advocacy among the New England state,” said Vermont Department of Public Service Commissioner June Tierney.  “The willingness and ability to work together productively is pivotal in order for the region to meet its energy security needs.”  

“This award is a win-win for all stakeholders and a testament to the importance of collaboration between utilities, states, developers and other key partners as we work towards our shared goal of a clean and equitable energy future,” said Bill Quinlan, President of Transmission and Offshore Wind Projects at Eversource Energy. “We look forward to advancing our transformative transmission project, the Huntsbrook Offshore Wind Hub in southeastern Connecticut, to realize the many benefits it will deliver to our customers and the region, including a more reliable and resilient electric grid, emission reductions and significant economic development – including creating jobs and significant local benefits – over the project’s lifetime.”  

“National Grid is a proud participant in the Power Up New England proposal, a multi-year initiative that seeks to leverage federal funding for regional clean energy investments,” said Lisa Wieland, President, National Grid New England. “The Department of Energy selection is an important step and we look forward to the work ahead as we engage with stakeholders to advance our shared clean energy goals.”  

“We are pleased to be selected by the U.S. Department of Energy for the Power Up New England initiative to deploy an 85 MW/8500 MWh multi-day battery system - which marks a significant milestone on multiple fronts,” said Mateo Jaramillo, CEO & Co-Founder of Form Energy. “Located at the site of a former paper mill in rural Maine, this iron-air battery system will have the most energy capacity of any battery system announced yet in the world. The project will ensure a more reliable, clean, and affordable grid in New England by reducing transmission congestion and making valuable wind energy resources available when and where they are needed. By locating the project at an EPA brownfield site, we look forward to driving local job growth and other community benefits. Overall, we are deeply thankful to the team of state and federal partners for bringing us on board for Power Up New England - a transformative investment in the future of clean energy for New England and America.” 

波士頓華埠一中餐廳員工遭女食客刺傷左耳

          ( Boston Orange 編譯) 波士頓警察局在一份聲明中指出，8月4日晚10點半，波士頓華埠一家中餐廳發生一起女食客刺殺餐廳員工事故。

風餐廳員工被食客刺傷。

警察趕到夏利臣街1號的風餐廳 (Kaze) 後，在史都華街 (Stuart) 和教堂街 (Church) 交界處逮捕了Alicia Morasse，並從她的背包中找到一把刀。

Alicia Morasse週一出庭面對的控罪包括企圖謀殺的攻擊，以危險武器攻擊及毆打，行為失序，破壞財務，以及威脅犯罪。

在提審Alicia Morasse時，一名檢察官表示，Alicia Morasse進入這家中餐廳點了菜後，和餐廳員工發生爭執。當員工試圖要Alicia Morasse離開餐廳時，倆人爭吵，發生肢體衝突，Alicia Morasse似乎刺傷了一名員工頭部。

檢察官說，目擊者告訴調查人員，他們看到Alicia Morasse手裡拿著一把刀。警方到達現場後，發現受害者的左耳上方有傷口。

波士頓警方表示，受害者被送往當地醫院，沒有生命危險。

警方表示，當受害者接受治療時，警方找到了事件的監視器畫面，並使用Alicia Morasse的影像來追蹤她。

檢察官說，受害者被拘留後，認出Alicia Morasse就是攻擊者。

Alicia Morasse受審後，法官下令不得保釋。她將於 8 月 8 日再次出庭。

吳弭市長鼓勵居民自購電單車 1000張優惠券最高補助2400元

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF THE BOSTON E-BIKES INCENTIVE PROGRAM Pilot initiative provides discount vouchers to eligible residents

BOSTON - Monday, August 5, 2024 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the launch of the Boston E-Bikes Incentive Program. This pilot initiative will provide discount vouchers to eligible residents who wish to purchase an e-bike for personal use. The goals of Boston’s E-Bikes Incentive Program are to address historic inequities in transportation access, accelerate mode shift to sustainable modes of transportation, and improve mobility options for residents. The City plans to provide approximately 1,000 vouchers ranging from $800 to $2,400 to help reduce the costs of purchasing an e-bike. Each recipient will also receive $150 toward the purchase of bicycle safety equipment. The first round of applications opened today. “Boston is a city always on the move, and we want to ensure that all of our residents have transportation options that are convenient, affordable, and sustainable for their individual needs,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This e-bike voucher program will help reduce emissions and expand transportation options for traditionally vulnerable residents.” To qualify for the Boston E-Bikes Incentive Program, a person must be a Boston resident over 18 years old who fits at least one of the criteria: income-eligible adult (at or below 40% AMI), a senior over 60 years of age, or an adult with a chronic or permanent disability. Qualified applicants will be randomly selected to receive a voucher that can be used within 90 days in person at one of the participating bike shops. “E-bikes and adaptive e-bikes make active mobility an option for older adults and some people with disabilities,” said Jascha Franklin-Hodge, Chief of Streets. “Affordable access to a reliable, active form of transportation can help people stay healthy, be more connected to their community, and meet their transportation needs.” The pilot program is funded by $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and is designed for residents who can most benefit from the advantages of an e-bike, and communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID pandemic. This investment will help support those choosing smaller, more environmentally friendly mobility devices. E-bikes eligible for the program discount have a safety-certified rechargeable battery and a pedal assist that provides a more effortless riding experience. They can give access to biking for people with mobility challenges, or residents who need to travel long distances or up hilly terrain. Cargo e-bikes, which can also be purchased through the program, have additional storage and passenger-carrying capacity. In addition to traditional e-bikes, the program will provide support toward the purchase of powered handcycle wheelchair attachments and adaptive e-bikes that can be modified to meet the needs of individuals with chronic disabilities. The application process for adults with permanent disabilities interested in powered handcycle wheelchair attachments or adaptive e-bikes will be open from August 5 to September 5. All other eligible groups can access the application from August 12 to August 24. The City will hold another application round in spring 2025. More information on how to apply and the program details can be found at boston.gov/ebikes.  “We are excited to see the City of Boston offer incentives to lower the costs for their residents to use electric bicycles to get around,” said Alex Salcedo, E-Bike Program Manager for MassBike. “Through our Worcester program, where we have offered e-bikes to income-burdened residents over the past two years, MassBike has seen the benefits that e-bikes can bring, especially to people who may not consider themselves everyday riders. Riding bikes has improved participants’ health and mental wellness, lowered the costs of transportation, expanded connections to the community, and introduced the joy of bicycling to more people. We’re expecting great success from this program in Boston.” The Boston Bikes team will also host free “Try an E-Bike'' and bike shop showcase events in August, where eligible residents can test different bikes and receive help on their applications. There will also be additional e-bike hours to help residents with applications if needed.

王湘聖"弟弟"波士頓上映首2場爆滿 3戲院分別映至8月6~8日

波士頓亞美電影節 (BAAFF) 創辦人甄翠嬿 (左)主持的映後座談，請導演王湘聖(右)
分享拍片點滴。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子布魯克蘭鎮報導) 挾著贏得日舞影展 (Sun Dance) 數個獎項的威風氣勢，王湘聖編劇、執導的「弟弟 (Didid) 」一片，8月1日在庫里吉角 (Coolidge Corner) 的2場放映，全部爆滿，觀眾們更為影片情節” 於我心有戚戚焉” ，在導演出席現場座談時，報以雷動掌聲。

王湘聖坦言電影界需要更多亞裔聲音。(周菊子攝)

              「弟弟 (Didid) 」是一部以2008年加州Fremont市為背景，描述13歲亞裔青少年成長經驗的半自傳影片。現年30歲，曾在谷歌創意組工作6年，2008年時他正好13歲的導演王湘聖，不諱言片中有不少劇情，借用了他小時候的經歷，鋪陳出很真實的際遇。

王湘聖在映後座談結束後，耐心的一一回應觀眾提問。 (周菊子攝)

              這部片的主要角色有弟弟，姊姊，陳沖飾演的母親，在贏得奧斯卡最佳短片獎”奶奶與外婆”一片中飾演奶奶，也是導演本人真正奶奶的張麗華。劇情圍繞著家中唯一的男人，卻又是年紀最小的”弟弟”，在學校藉聲稱自己可以為溜滑板拍影片，想要融入同學的朋友圈，卻在同學相約出遊時被獨自丟下，情竇初開的臨時抱佛腳的設立MySpace網路帳號，學習交女朋友，卻未能領會女友暗示，不諳相處之道而尷尬以終等情節，鋪陳局外人中的局外人處境。

              王湘聖在波士頓亞美電影節 (BAAFF) 創辦人甄翠嬿主持的映後座談中，引用好萊塢導演史匹堡 (Steven Allan Spielberg)曾說過的「如果你能讓他們 (觀眾)

波士頓獨立影展為"弟弟"一片舉行第2場導演座談。 (周菊子攝)

笑，他們就會信任你而哭」，表示他希望藉由這部影片，真正的觸動人心，讓人們看到鮮少出現在大螢幕上的青少年，亞裔的生活經歷。

              王湘聖在影片結尾寫著「獻給母親」，身為一名13歲ABC小孩母親的甄翠嬿，對影片中陳冲所飾的母親一角，深有同感，認為這部影片發揮了洗滌心靈作用，甚至有如醫藥具有療癒之效。

王湘聖回答觀眾提問。(周菊子攝)

              陳冲在片中是一名心中有夢的畫家，為遠在台灣工作的丈夫撐起美國這邊的家，夾在觀念傳統的奶奶，以及受不同文化薰陶的子女之間，無法和子女順暢溝通，心中有著幽怨的主婦。

波士頓台灣影展協會共同主席林致中(右一)和志工們一起到場欣賞"弟弟"一片，
順道為訂9月開幕的台灣影展宣傳。(周菊子攝)

              王湘聖透露這部影片的劇情，早從7年前就開始琢磨，他嘗試把許多元素揉進同一角色之中，所以情節都很真實，卻並不是某一個人的故事。他的製片人說，”你完成它，就會有人來支持”。沒想到還真是這樣，在他們得到第一筆投資，可以啟動籌拍工作之際的不到24小時，就有另一名投資者來約談，十分欣賞他的願意大額資助，讓他們得到的資助累積達到開拍預算的80%，順利展開為期4個月的拍攝工作。

              贏得日舞影展觀眾票選獎，美國劇情片評審團特別獎，並被第67屆舊金山國際電影節選為開幕影片的「弟弟」一片，贏得許許多多ABC (在美出生華裔)的認同，聽聞這部片來到波士頓上映，蜂擁而至。波士頓亞美電影節志工Jeff Lee坦言，他對片中弟弟的成長經歷十分感同身受，直言作為華裔移民的下一代，在美國社會成長，面對許多環境與人情世故挑戰，的確十分不容易。

Jeff Lee接受波士頓亞美電影節志工訪問。(周菊子攝)

              「弟弟」一片，已由焦點影業取得美國發行權，7月26日起已開始在全美各地上映。波士頓地區在布魯克蘭鎮的Coolidge Corner，波士頓廣場旁的AMC 19，以及劍橋市的Landmark放映，預定放映至8月7日、8日，各戲院放映日期不同。