波士頓台大校友JFK公園夏日野餐 各僑團預報未來活動

波士頓台大校友會在JFK公園聚會野餐。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州報導) 近百名台大校友及親友，8月3日在哈佛大學甘迺迪政府學院旁公園野餐，聚會，交流，同時歡送也是校友的波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮調任返國，預告9月迎新要搭船去外島，11月3日有校友總會從台灣來訪，將和哈佛台灣學生會合辦聖誕舞會。

              駐波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏，教育組組長黃薳玉，波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮這天都應邀出席，與同學互動。

波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏(右三)和教育組組長黃薳玉(左一)、僑教中心
主任潘昭榮(左二)和大波士頓台大校友會會長李佳蓉(左三)、前會長
黃楷智(右二)，波士頓台灣影展協會共會長林致中(右一)。(周菊子攝)

廖朝宏處長到任波士頓二年，這是第二次參加大波士頓台大校友會夏季野餐。他稱許台大校友充滿活力、凝聚力。鼓勵臺大校友無論是還在念書，或已就業，利用機會，權充文化大使，宣揚、展現臺灣優良的一面，經文處將為台大校友們做最佳後盾，歡迎校友不管是工作或生活上遭遇問題，都隨時和經文處聯絡。

波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏勉勵台大校友當台灣的文化大使。(周菊子攝)

              潘昭榮主任在1980年代成為台大人。他笑說，台大人一向獨立自主性比較強，要把大家聚攏在一起，頗不容易，歷屆校友會會長都十分努力，才能傳承，並有今日局面。他呼籲台大校友們多參加各僑團、僑委會、經文處、教育組的活動，協助台灣做國民外交，和主流社會增加互動，提升台灣的能見度。

              臺大校友會是大波士頓地區最老資格，人數最多的校友會之一，曾因老校友遷居、凋零，聚會時的人數逐年減少。大約幾年前開始，在校友會積極尋找年輕校友加入，聚會地點從郊區改到都會市區之後，臺大校友會面貌幡然一新。

本身為台大校友的波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮請台大校友們，
在高家富主任到任後，繼續支持僑教中心與僑委會。(周菊子攝)

              現任會長李佳蓉就是去年才取得臺大生化科技系博士，來哈佛醫學院Ragon 學院做博士後的年輕人，有老校友驚嘆，「還以為你是臺大校友的女兒呢」。

波士頓台灣影展協會共會長林致中。(周菊子攝)

              當天在野餐中預報未來活動的數個僑團會長及代表，也全都是台大人。

波士頓台灣影展協會共會長林致中2009年生化科技系畢業。他報告今年的台灣影展訂9月28、29兩日在AMC Boston Common舉辦，將放映6部影片，邀第60屆金馬獎最佳男配角，在「老狐狸」一片中演出的陳慕義等人出席。林致中表示，由於邀約演員、導演等從外地來波士頓花費不貲，希望熱心學長協助籌款，希望藉影展能讓更多美國本土人士看到臺灣的故事與人物。

紐英崙中華專業人員協會會長盧彥君。(周菊子攝)

紐英崙中華專業人員協會會長盧彥君和林致中是同屆臺大人。他預告8月10日烤肉，10月6日年會將以探討新藥為主題，邀請有全球藥界女王之譽，捐了3.5億元台幣給臺大建藥學系系館的許照惠博士為主講人。

BTBA前會長何逸雲。(周菊子攝)

2018年的臺大校友會會長，也曾任北一女校友會會長的吳杏玫，這天代表北一女校友會，預告該惠9月7日將和建中、政大、輔仁等校友會，以及大波士頓急難救助協會合辦夏日野餐迎新會。吳杏玫特地說明，校友會知道這次的聚會地點離城區較遠，特地安排了共乘車輛辦法，有需要的校友可和該會聯繫。此外今年有熱心校友慷慨捐款2000元，校友會將安排抽獎環節，希望有更多校友出席交流。

臺大暨北一女校友會前會長吳杏玫。 (周菊子攝)

波士頓台灣人生物科技協會 (BTBA) 前會長何逸雲是臺大物理系校友，如今轉換跑道研究生物。她預告該會訂8月24、25兩日，在哈佛大學舉行年會，請到 Intellia Therapeutics科學長Laura Sepp-Lorenzino，以及哈佛大學Wyss 研究院教授Samir Mitragotri擔任主講人。今年的年會請到許多生技業優秀人士分享經驗，以及業界見聞。

在野餐會中，台大校友會會長李佳蓉還請校友們用現場的二維碼，加入校友會的臉書，Instergram，Line群組，以加強日後聯繫，籲請校友們關注，參加日後活動。

波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭蓉和年長的臺大校友寒暄。(周菊子攝)

麻州出現本年度首宗人類感染西尼羅病毒個案

 State Health Officials Announce Season’s First Human Case of West Nile Virus and First Animal Case of EEE in Massachusetts

 

EEE risk level elevated in two communities

 

BOSTON (August 6, 2024) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) and the first animal case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in the state this year.

 

The individual is a male in his 40s who was exposed to WNV in Hampden County. The EEE infection was diagnosed in a horse exposed in Plymouth. Mosquito samples collected in Dedham also tested positive for EEE. These findings raise the EEE risk level to high in Plymouth and to low in Dedham.

 

This is in addition to the two communities currently at high risk for EEE: Carver and Middleborough. There are 12 communities already at moderate risk for EEE: Amesbury, Groveland, Halifax, Haverhill, Kingston, Merrimac, Newburyport, Plymouth, Plympton, Salisbury, Wareham, and West Newbury.

 

The risk of human infection with WNV is moderate in the Greater Boston area (Middlesex, Norfolk, and Suffolk counties), and in parts of Bristol, Essex, Hampden, Plymouth, and Worcester counties.

 

The first WNV-positive mosquitoes in Massachusetts this year were announced on July 2 from Quincy. On July 3, the season’s first EEE-positive mosquitoes in Massachusetts were announced from Carver. There have also been EEE-infected mosquitoes previously identified in Halifax and Kingston in Plymouth County, Barnstable in Barnstable County, and Amesbury and Haverhill in Essex County.

 

“Historically, August and September are the months when most people are exposed to West Nile virus in Massachusetts. This is also the first year with elevated EEE activity since our last outbreak in 2019 and 2020,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Populations of mosquitoes that can carry and spread these viruses are large this year and we continue to see increases in the number of EEE- and WNV-positive mosquito samples throughout the state. Residents should continue to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.”

 

WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There were six human cases of WNV and no animal cases in 2023. No animal cases of WNV have been detected so far this year.

 

EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. EEE is generally spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There were 12 human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2019 with six deaths, and five human cases with one death in 2020. There were no human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2021, 2022, or 2023. No human cases of EEE have been detected so far this year.

 

“We continue to recommend taking steps to prevent mosquito bites until the first hard frost,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine M. Brown. “People should use mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient, clothing to reduce exposed skin, and consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning.”

 

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.

 

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

 

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.

 

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

 

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.

 

Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors.

 

Protect Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.

 

More information, including all WNV- and EEE-positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at Mosquito-borne Diseases | Mass.gov, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.

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.”