Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces First Request for Proposals for Developers under State-Owned Land Initiative

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces First Request for Proposals for Developers under State-Owned Land Initiative 

Administration collaborates with Middlesex Community College and Town of Bedford to issue a Request for Proposals to redevelop an underutilized, surplus parking lot on campus into housing  

BEDFORD – This week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of a surplus, underutilized 5.05-acre parking lot located at 210 Springs Rd, Bedford on the Middlesex Community College Campus (MCC) into at least 20 new homes. This is the first RFP issued by the state since Governor Maura Healey launched her “State Land for Homes” initiative, an inventory of more than 450 acres of surplus state-owned land that could be used for the development of 3,500 new housing units across Massachusetts. 

The Affordable Homes Act, signed by Governor Healey one year ago this month, streamlined surplus land disposition by cutting red tape and speeding up the process for selling available properties and creating much-needed housing. The Affordable Homes Act allows housing on these properties with a density of at least 4 units per acre as-of-right. 

With the goal of increasing affordability, creating units suitable for families, and ensuring building and site designs consistent with community preferences, the Bedford Select Board went even further by offering a density bonus to permit 5 units per acre as-of-right on the Bedford property, provided at least 75 percent of units have three bedrooms, building heights are capped at 2.5 stories and units are no larger than 2,035 square feet.  

“This initiative is all about using the resources already at our disposal and turning underutilized state-owned land into housing so that we can lower costs for everyone,” said Governor Maura Healey. “My team is making quick progress getting these parcels into the hands of developers, and we commend the town of Bedford and Middlesex Community College for stepping up to be partners on this.”  

“DCAMM has been working closely with Bedford and MCC to make this project a reality,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This is a great example of what Team Massachusetts can get done when we work together – cutting red tape, moving forward with urgency and transforming land into homes for our residents.” 

Middlesex Community College previously used this lot for overflow parking, but it has not been used consistently for nearly a decade, as the college’s parking for students can be accommodated in the multiple lots adjacent to its Bedford properties.  

“Middlesex has enjoyed a decades-long collaborative relationship with the town of Bedford, and this RFP process continues that dynamic,” said Phil Sisson, President of Middlesex Community College. “This next step dovetails with the recommendations of both a Master Plan and a decarbonization process that the college has been engaged in for more than two years. We remain committed to being a good neighbor to our host communities in Bedford and Lowell, all while effectively serving the needs of our students, staff, and faculty.” 

“Governor Healey’s State Land for Homes initiative is transforming underused state property into housing we need," said Secretary Ed Augustus of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. “Thanks to the Affordable Homes Act, we're cutting red tape, bringing properties back onto local tax rolls and collaborating with partners like the town of Bedford and Middlesex Community College to create new homes. This is a model for meeting our housing shortage and bringing costs down for Massachusetts residents.”  

“The disposition of this surplus parking lot on the Middlesex Community College Campus is an exciting step forward for the Town, the State and the College,” said Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance Commissioner Adam Baacke. “DCAMM appreciates the robust collaborative engagement from local officials and the public which is reflected in the RFP and will help to move this project forward expeditiously as developers will have a clear picture of the consensus vision for the property and can have confidence that a proposal aligned with those priorities carries little or no entitlement risk.”     

Additional details and the RFP can be found on this page, with proposals due by October 9, 2025 by 3:00PM. DCAMM intends to make a developer selection this Fall.  

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has made housing a top priority, starting with the creation of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities in 2023. Since then, the Administration has initiated a comprehensive approach that includes passage of the $5 billion Affordable Homes Act, implementation of the MBTA Communities Law, creation of the Momentum Fund, the new State Land for Homes initiative to jumpstart housing production on state land, sizable increases in housing tax credits and subsidies and the elimination of renter-paid broker’s fees. As a result, more than 90,000 new homes have been built or are in development since Governor Healey took office.

麻州政府撥款230餘萬元改善渡輪服務。將為服務業員工提供免費或補貼票

（Boston Orange編譯）麻州政府將撥款230 多萬美元，支持六個關鍵項目，大幅度改善波士頓港的渡輪和水上交通服務，以使水上交通成為居民在日常通勤，出行上更為快速、經濟實惠、便捷的選擇。

這也是麻州環境保護局（MassDEP）為緩解道路交通擁堵、提升區域整體交通便利性所做出的重要努力。

這些撥款將用於提升渡輪的多方面服務：

·       擴增運力與新航線： 其中最大筆的 100 萬美元將投入到 MBTA，用於重新設計 Winthrop/Quincy 通勤渡輪路線，預計可將每日載客量提升三倍，並透過路線優化為乘客節省高達 45 分鐘的往返時間。

·       麻州會議中心管理局也獲得 40 萬美元，用於改善東波士頓往返海港區（Seaport） 的渡輪服務，並為通勤的服務業人員提供免費或補貼的船票。

·       支持教育與文化項目： 多個非營利組織也獲得資金，利用水上交通推動教育和文化體驗。例如，Save the Harbor / Save the Bay 將獲得 40 萬美元，用於免費遊船計畫，提供波士頓港島嶼的教育之旅；Boston Harbor Now 也獲得 20 萬美元，用於支持其社區遊船計畫，為弱勢族群提供氣候教育和文化活動所需的水上交通服務。

這筆資金的來源，主要來自於 MassDEP 的許可程序。根據麻州《公共海濱法案》（"Chapter 91"），在波士頓港進行開發的項目，其許可證持有者需向水上交通項目捐款，以確保水上交通服務能與港口開發同步發展。這項投資不僅能有效減少路面交通壓力，更將提升波士頓港區的整體經濟活力和居民生活品質。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Over $2.3 Million to Expand Waterfront Ferry and Water Transportation on Boston Harbor 

Funding will improve daily commutes, ease traffic, and connect residents to jobs, culture, and education 

 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced more than $2.3 million in new funding to expand ferry and water transportation services on the Boston Harbor. The grants will support six projects that make water-based transit a faster, more affordable, and more accessible option for residents — whether they’re commuting to work, visiting cultural landmarks or exploring educational opportunities along the harbor.  

This initiative is part of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s (MassDEP) broader effort to reduce road congestion and make daily travel easier for residents and workers in the region. The projects selected for funding will increase ferry capacity, add new routes and support nonprofit-led programs that use water transportation to bring students and families closer to the region’s cultural and historical assets. 

“We’re making getting around the Harbor faster, easier and more affordable,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Investing in ferries and waterfront transit helps more people get to work, school, appointments and to all of our incredible restaurants and shops on time and at a lower cost.” 

“These projects aren’t just about transportation — they're about creating more activity and opportunity along the waterfront,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Stronger ferry service brings people to local shops, helps tourism and makes it easier for residents to enjoy the harbor. It’s an investment in the local economy as much as it is in commuting.” 

This is the inaugural Boston Harbor Water Transportation grant. Projects receiving funding include the MBTA’s redesigned Winthrop/Quincy ferry routes, which will triple daily passenger capacity between the Seaport, Winthrop and Quincy. Additionally, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority’s Seaport ferry will be able to transport more commuters from North Station to the Seaport and East Boston. Several non-profit organizations that use water transportation for educational and cultural programming on Boston Harbor are also receiving funding.  

“These funds help take cars off the road and improve access to sustainable transportation options, said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We are making smart investments in our future – reducing pollution, improving air quality, and making our daily commutes part of the solution.” 

“Water is one of our most valuable assets in Massachusetts,” said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “These grants connect our workers and students with affordable transportation options and make Boston Harbor and all its amenities more accessible for the public.” 

MassDEP is responsible for protecting and promoting the public’s use of waterfront areas. It administers the Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act, known as “Chapter 91.” The program issues licenses for projects in waterways and ensures that these projects meet public-access requirements.   

As part of MassDEP’s licensing process for development on Boston Harbor, licensees agree to contribute financially to water transportation. This is intended to ensure that transportation options via Boston Harbor keep pace with new development. This grant opportunity uses those funds to support projects that enhance and promote water transportation on Boston Harbor. 

“Water transportation is quickly becoming a go to mode under the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s leadership. I thank Secretary Tepper and Commissioner Heiple for this grant that allows us to improve the Quincy and Winthrop ferry routes where ridership has increased over 100 percent; delivering faster, more reliable, and fully accessible ferry service for the public that we serve,” said MBTA Phillip Eng General Manager and CEO. “I’m proud of the MBTA team as we make strategic investments delivering improved water transportation as part of our multimodal mass transportation system and allow all to experience the beauty of the Boston Harbor and our waterfront communities.”  

The following grant proposals were selected: 

MBTA (awarded $1 million) 

• The award will support a redesigned route for the Winthrop/Quincy commuter ferry, tripling daily passenger capacity and saving riders up to 45 minutes round trip by eliminating route inefficiencies.  The new, separate routes serving Quincy and Winthrop make stops at Logan Airport, the Seaport, and Aquarium. 

Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School (awarded $250,000) 

• The award will support critical repair and upgrades to the Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School’s ferry that transports thousands of students, volunteers, and event attendees to/from Cathleen Stone Island every year. 

Save the Harbor / Save the Bay (awarded $400,000) 

• The award will support Save the Harbor / Save the Bay’s free cruise program, which offers free educational trips to Boston Harbor Islands and educational programming on the rich history of the harbor and its islands. 

Boston Harbor Now (awarded $200,000) 

• The award will support Boston Harbor Now’s Community Cruise Program by funding water transportation services associated with innovative climate education and cultural activities serving vulnerable populations and Environmental Justice populations in the Boston region. 

Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (awarded $400,000) 

• This award will support free or subsidized tickets for service workers commuting to the Seaport and operations costs for the East Boston-to-Seaport Ferry route. 

 

Friends of the Charlestown Navy Yard (awarded $81,500) 

• This award will fund dock improvements in the Charlestown Navy Yard, including additional signage and public seating. 

Please visit our Boston Harbor Water Transportation Grant webpage for more information. 

MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND THE AGE STRONG COMMISSION ANNOUNCE NEW ROLLING GRANT PROGRAM TO SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS WORKING WITH OLDER ADULTS

 MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND THE AGE STRONG COMMISSION ANNOUNCE NEW ROLLING GRANT PROGRAM TO SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS WORKING WITH OLDER ADULTS 

Rolling grant program will award up to $150,000 to organizations serving older adults throughout the year and build on Mayor Wu’s efforts to make Boston a home for every generation

BOSTON - Wednesday, August 13, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Age Strong Commission today announced the launch of a new “Age Strong Rolling Grants” program designed to better support community organizations and individuals working with older adults age 55+ in Boston. This new program builds on Mayor Wu’s work to make Boston a home for everyone and the administration’s ongoing efforts to support older adults and expand programming opportunities across Boston neighborhoods. This program funded by the City will award up to $150,000 to organizations serving older adults.

“This new rolling grant program will allow Age Strong to expand the City’s programming and engage older adults more across every neighborhood,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “By breaking down barriers to access funding and providing multiple opportunities for organizations to apply throughout the year, our administration is working urgently to support older adults across neighborhoods. I encourage all organizations interested in making Boston a home for everyone to apply and look forward to this program building community for our older adults and expanding engaging opportunities for all residents across the city.”

“We heard from our older residents that they wanted more programming in more neighborhoods,” said Age Strong Commissioner Emily Shea. As part of the Mayor’s commitment to making Boston a home for everyone, Age Strong will award up to $150,000 in rolling grants between now and May 2026 to provide more programs in more neighborhoods to enrich the lives of older residents,” said Age Strong Commissioner Emily Shea. “We’re broadening access to funding to support creative ideas that engage older adults in meaningful, joyful, or community-building ways. We are offering expanded options for older residents, from exercise and wellness to arts, social activities, and more.”

Starting August 13, the grant application will be available to the public. Grants of up to $2,500 will be awarded on a rolling basis, with recipients announced at least every two months. Funding priorities include:

• Social engagement programming in underserved communities
• Programs that reach new participants
• Holiday or cultural celebrations
• Trip admissions or transportation

These funding priorities were developed through extensive engagement with various organizations and groups that serve older adults, aimed at addressing gaps and strengthening neighborhood based services. Often, community organizations will identify a potential programming opportunity for older adults but lack the resources to cover costs such as transportation or activity fees. Additionally, studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness can negatively impact physical health particularly in older adults, underscoring the importance of opportunities for connection. This grant program will enhance existing programs and launch new ones, and is intended to strengthen social connection among older adults and reduce barriers to funding for small or one-time activities. 

“We want to create opportunities,” said José F. Massó, Chief of Human Services. “We hear from residents all the time who have wonderful ideas but just need a little funding to make them real. These rolling grants are meant to build connections that improve quality of life for our older residents.”

Grant eligibility requirements include:

• Be a nonprofit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization or have an official fiscal sponsor
• Or be an individual representing a senior group and/or civic association 
• Work with, or on behalf of older adults in Boston
• Be in good financial standing 
• Have capacity to successfully complete tasks and/or activities associated with the funding request (i.e., number of staff/volunteers, staff/volunteer experience, staff/volunteers time, resources)
• Be in good standing with current or previous Age Strong grant reporting requirements

Priority will be given to applicants not currently receiving funding through Age Strong’s FY2025 Expanding Engagement Grant Program, to allow smaller and newer organizations and groups access to resources. Organizations are able to apply more than once to this year’s rolling mini-grant program and are required to demonstrate previously awarded funding has already been used before another award is disbursed by Age Strong.

This announcement builds on the City’s ongoing efforts to expand programming for older adults across Boston neighborhoods and ensure Boston is a home for every generation. In her 2025 State of the City address, Mayor Wu pledged to expand programming for older residents, including activating Age Strong programming at different sites across neighborhoods: Dewitt Center (Roxbury), Spontaneous Celebrations (Jamaica Plain), BCYF Holland Community Center (Dorchester), Union Church (South End), and The Elks (West Roxbury) ensuring older adults have regular access to opportunities for connection, learning, movement, and joy in spaces that are familiar and accessible. Earlier this month, Mayor Wu visited older adults at the Elks to highlight an additional $100,000 investment, which enabled the West Roxbury site to expand their programming from two days to three days.

麻州地鐵8月底起週五、週六延長服務1小時 9/5-10/4週五、六晚9點起免費搭乘

 

麻州州長Maura Healey(左起）和麻州地鐵總經理伍偉華宣佈延長地鐵服務時間。
（周菊子攝）

            (Boston Orange 綜合報導) 麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）和麻州地鐵（MBTA）總經理伍偉華 （Philip Eng）等人聯袂宣佈，自8月24日起，麻州地鐵在週五、週六延長服務1小時。為鼓勵民眾搭乘，還將在9月5日至10月4日間的週五和週六晚上9點起，提供免費服務。

            換言之，這是從8月24日起，所有地鐵線路以及八條高頻巴士線路，將在週五及週六，延長服務1小時。5條載客量最高的巴士線路則將將每天延長服務約一小時。

9月底前的週五和週六，部分渡輪線路也將增加班次並延長服務時間。

麻州地鐵總經理伍偉華表示，為了讓麻州民眾習慣這服務時間延長一小時，出行更方便，擴大人口流動，促進經濟發展，還將在9月5日至10月4日間的週五和週六晚上9點起的時間段，讓所有人免費搭乘麻州地鐵麾下的所有地鐵、巴士、渡輪、通勤鐵路和The RIDE等交通工具。

            奚莉州長 表示，延長夜間服務將為夜班工作者、享受夜生活或參與各類活動的民眾帶來極大便利，也能提升大波士頓地區的經濟活力和國際競爭力。

            伍偉華在回應提問時表示，是奚莉政府的遠見與支持，使得麻州地鐵可以為民眾提供更便民的延長服務時間，目前撥備的經費為200萬元，

週末延長服務 ，約延長一小時，頻率約為每30分鐘一班車。

地鐵 (Subway Lines):

紅線 (Red Line)、橙線 (Orange Line)、藍線 (Blue Line) 和綠線 (Green Line) 將在週五和週六晚上延長服務。

紅線 (Red Line): Ashmont 和 Braintree 支線延長服務期間約每30分鐘一班；Alewife 至 JFK/UMass 區段約每15分鐘一班。

橙線 (Orange Line): 全線約每15分鐘一班。

藍線 (Blue Line): 全線約每15分鐘一班。

綠線 (Green Line): 各支線約每30分鐘一班。

巴士 (Bus Routes):

以下巴士線路將在週五和週六晚上延長服務，約每30分鐘一班：

巴士路線 1 (Bus Route 1)

巴士路線 22 (Bus Route 22)

巴士路線 39 (Bus Route 39)

巴士路線 66 (Bus Route 66)

巴士路線 110 (Bus Route 110)

銀線 1 (Silver Line 1 - SL1)

銀線 3 (Silver Line 3 - SL3)

銀線 5 (Silver Line 5 - SL5)

渡輪 (Ferry Lines):

部分渡輪線路將在8月29日至9月27日的週五和週六增加班次，並延長服務時間約一至兩小時：

Hingham/Hull 渡輪 (Hingham/Hull Ferry):

週五 (Fridays): 增加一班來回班次，比現有時間晚約一小時。

從 Hingham 開往 Long Wharf 的班次為晚上10點15分。

從 Long Wharf 開往 Hull 和 Hingham 的班次為晚上11點。

East Boston 渡輪 (East Boston Ferry):

週五和週六 (Fridays and Saturdays): 增加班次，服務延長至晚上10點。

從 East Boston 開往 Long Wharf 的末班船為晚上9點30分。

從 Long Wharf 開往 East Boston 的末班船為晚上9點45分。

Charlestown 渡輪 (Charlestown Ferry):

週五和週六 (Fridays and Saturdays): 增加班次，服務延長至晚上10點。

從 Charlestown 開往 Long Wharf 的末班船為晚上9點30分。

從 Long Wharf 開往 Charlestown 的末班船為晚上9點45分。

Lynn、Winthrop 和 Quincy 渡輪 (Lynn, Winthrop, and Quincy Ferries): 這些線路的末班船時間在週五和週六保持不變。

每日延長服務 (Daily Extended Service)

（約延長一小時，頻率約為每30分鐘一班）

巴士 (Bus Routes):

以下巴士線路將在每天延長服務：

巴士路線 23 (Bus Route 23)

巴士路線 28 (Bus Route 28)

巴士路線 57 (Bus Route 57)

巴士路線 111 (Bus Route 111)

巴士路線 116 (Bus Route 116)

MAYOR WU AND THE CITY OF BOSTON CELEBRATE NEW COMMUTER FERRY CONNECTING NORTH STATION TO SOUTH BOSTON WATERFRONT

 MAYOR WU AND THE CITY OF BOSTON CELEBRATE NEW COMMUTER FERRY CONNECTING NORTH STATION TO SOUTH BOSTON WATERFRONT 

BOSTON - Tuesday, August 12, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu today celebrated the opening of a new commuter ferry stop at Pier 10 in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park. The new stop connects the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park in the South Boston Waterfront to Fan Pier and North Station. Establishing this new commuter water shuttle through the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and the Seaport Transportation Management Association (TMA) will improve access and increase public transportation options to the South Boston Waterfront. This announcement builds on Mayor Wu’s work to make Boston a city for everyone, the administration’s ongoing efforts to better connect Boston’s communities, and the City’s recent groundbreaking of a new state-of-the-art EMS station in the South Boston Waterfront.

“Expanding water transportation will boost economic activity and also provide important commuter alternatives that can ease traffic,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This new commuter ferry stop at Pier 10 in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park builds on our administration’s efforts to give residents more options to get around safely while making significant investments that better connect our communities. I’m grateful to all of our public and private partners for their leadership in stepping up to get this transformative project done.”

"This new ferry stop on public land is critical to expanding public transportation options for those traveling in and out of the Seaport," said Chief of Planning Kairos Shen. "Improving water transit in our city is something we have worked on for more than two decades, and I look forward to finding more opportunities to expand this network in the years to come. Thank you to our public and private partners for collaborating with us to deliver this public benefit.”

The $2.5 million construction cost was funded by the City of Boston through its five-year capital plan and the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA). MassDOT awarded the Seaport TMA a grant which will help support the first two years of service. Additional funding for the service will come from annual contributions from Jamestown Properties, Related Beal, The Davis Companies, Beacon Capital Partners, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

“I’m thrilled to see this new commuter ferry become a reality,” said Patrick Sullivan, Executive Director of Seaport Transportation Management Association (TMA). “The City of Boston’s investment in a purpose-built dock, the Marine Park businesses that stepped up to fund day-to-day operations, and MassDOT’s grant support show how public and private partners can move quickly when they share a common goal. Collaboration like this is the Seaport’s calling card—it’s how we turn ideas into public resources that make getting to work easier for everyone.” 

"The new ferry stop at Pier 10 in the Flynn Marine Park is a gateway to opportunity — it will boost ridership, improve access, and shine a spotlight on all of the amenities that the South Boston Waterfront has to offer," said Marcel Vernon, Sr., Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority. "The landing will not only act as an additional connection to the waterfront, but also to the many diverse businesses, attractions and experiences that make the neighborhood such an integral part of the city."

“Among the state’s treasures are its harbors and coastline and the Healey-Driscoll administration is all in when steps are taken to build a more robust water transportation system,” said Monica Tibbits-Nutt, Secretary and CEO of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). “The new dock at Pier 10 and the new ferry routes between North Station and the Seaport will enhance travel options, heighten awareness about the convenience of water transportation, and support economic and climate-friendly goals.” 

Past planning efforts through the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park Masterplan identified the need and viability of Pier 10 for water transportation to North Station. The addition of water transportation at this location, in addition to other multimodal investments, will reduce the reliance on vehicle travel as the Marine Park continues to grow and evolve.

“The Pier 10 ferry service has been a great attribute to our employees’ commuting options to and from the Marine Park,” said Chuck Pappalardo, VP of Global Operations and Real Estate for Vertex Pharmaceuticals. “The service offers convenient and consistent scheduling to and from North Station without the impact of challenging traffic patterns in the Seaport area. A big thanks to both the Seaport TMA and the City of Boston for making this a reality.”

“When Jamestown acquired the Innovation and Design Building in 2013, supporting improved transportation access for the Marine Park and the Seaport District became a key focus for us,” said Dana Griffin, Director of Northeast and West Coast Regional Lead, Asset Management at Jamestown. “The Pier 10 ferry stop is a great example of what can be achieved through public-private partnerships and is the result of years of collaboration to better connect this growing neighborhood. We’re proud to have supported this effort and grateful to the City of Boston and the Seaport TMA for bringing this valuable resource to the community.”

"Davis and our tenants at 88 Black Falcon Pier are grateful to the leadership at the City of Boston and the Seaport Transportation Management Association for their ongoing support and management of the new dock at Pier 10,” said Duncan Gilkey, Senior Vice President and Director of Leasing at Davis. “The new ferry service at the end of Black Falcon and Drydock Avenues will greatly enhance neighborhood accessibility and give our tenants, their employees and visitors a fast and efficient way to travel to and from Lovejoy Wharf near North Station, the Seaport’s Fan Pier and the Eastern Seaport neighborhood.”

“This new ferry line in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park is a critical step toward ensuring equal public transportation access for those who work and live in the South Boston Waterfront,” said City Councilor Ed Flynn. “By expanding transit options, the service strengthens connectivity between neighborhoods and supports the continued growth of a vibrant, accessible waterfront community.”

“Today’s opening of a new commuter ferry stop in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park will increase transit options for accessing the South Boston Waterfront,” said State Representative David Biele. “I appreciate the collective efforts by our partners in government to improve transit options for the peninsula by utilizing water service.”

Construction finished in May and the Pier 10 water shuttle began operations in June. The ferry operates Monday through Friday year-round during the morning and evening commutes for $5 per ticket. Employees and tenants of the funding companies can use the service for free. 

10個麻州郡縣西尼羅病毒風險升至“高”級

 (Boston Orange 編譯)麻州公共衛生部（DPH）宣佈，有多個社區的蚊子樣本檢測，持續顯現西尼羅河病毒（WNV）“，包括Acton、Bedford、Billerica、Boston、Brookline、Carlisle、Chelmsford、Dracut、Lowell 和Newton等10個社區的風險級別，已升至”高“級。

截至2025年8月12日，麻州已在多個縣郡（包括 Barnstable、Berkshire、Bristol、Dukes、Essex、Franklin、Hampden、Middlesex、Norfolk、Plymouth、Suffolk 和 Worcester）的蚊子樣本中檢測到168例西尼羅河病毒陽性，並在 Lunenburg 發現了一宗動物感染病例，但今年尚未出現人類感染病例。

麻州今年還在蚊子中檢測到東部馬腦炎（EEE）。Hampshire 縣的 Belchertown、Granby、Pelham 和Ware 目前處於中等風險。而 Bristol 和 Plymouth 縣的12個市鎮，作為 EEE 歷史活躍區，也處於中等風險，包括：Bridgewater、Carver、East Bridgewater、Easton、Halifax、Hanson、Lakeville、Middleborough、Plympton、Raynham、Taunton 和 West Bridgewater。目前已檢測到7例 EEE 陽性蚊子樣本，但尚未出現人類或動物感染病例。

公共衛生專員 Robbie Goldstein 博士和州流行病學家 Catherine M. Brown 博士強調，當前溫暖潮濕的天氣增加了蚊子活動，敦促居民採取預防措施。這些措施包括：

避免蚊蟲叮咬：

外出時使用含有美國環保署（EPA）註冊成分的驅蚊劑，如避蚊胺（DEET）、氯菊酯、派卡瑞丁或檸檬桉葉油。

在蚊子活動高峰期（黃昏至黎明）盡量避免戶外活動。

外出時穿長袖衣、長褲和襪子，以減少皮膚暴露。

居家防蚊：

清除家中積水，因為蚊子會在積水中產卵。定期檢查雨水槽、花盆和戲水池，並經常更換鳥浴盆中的水。

安裝或修復紗窗和紗門，確保其密閉，防止蚊子進入室內。

保護動物：

動物飼主應清理積水容器，減少蚊子滋生場所。

沖洗飲水槽，減少蚊子數量。

馬匹飼主應在夜間將馬匹安置在室內馬廄，以降低蚊蟲叮咬風險。

與獸醫討論適用於動物的驅蚊劑和疫苗。

如果懷疑動物感染西尼羅河病毒或東部馬腦炎，必須向農業資源部動物健康司（電話：617-626-1795）和公共衛生部（電話：617-983-6800）報告。

欲了解更多蚊媒疾病信息，包括西尼羅河病毒和東部馬腦炎的檢測結果，請訪問 DPH 的蟲媒病毒監測信息頁面，該頁面每日更新，或致電 DPH 流行病學司（電話：617-983-6800）。