Baker-Polito Administration Announces Funding for Seafood Marketing Projects

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Funding for Seafood Marketing Projects

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced $72,000 in grants to seven marketing campaigns designed to increase awareness and demand for Massachusetts seafood products. The grants were awarded through the Division of Marine Fisheries’ (DMF) Seafood Marketing Pilot Grant Program, a program created to support the Commonwealth’s fishing and seafood industries.

“The waters off the coast of Massachusetts are home to a fishing industry that is vital to both the state’s history and economy,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The funds awarded through the Seafood Marketing Grant Program will continue to help increase awareness and demand for Massachusetts seafood products.”

Seven organizations were awarded funding for projects to stimulate demand though education, promotion, and other strategies. These organizations have experience and significant ties to the commercial fishing and seafood industries and communities, focus on different species and span geographical areas throughout the state.  Funding for the grant program, now in its second year, comes from commercial fishing and dealer permits through the Seafood Marketing Program.

“The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to the commercial and recreational fishing industries, and the vital role they play within the Commonwealth and around the world,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “Through the Seafood Marketing Grant Program, Massachusetts is able to continue to support the state’s healthy food economy while promoting and recognizing coastal communities and their contributions to the success of the seafood industry.”

The Baker-Polito Administration launched the Massachusetts Seafood Marketing Program in August 2016 to increase awareness and demand for local seafood products. The program has since announced a partnership with the Massachusetts Farm to School Project to promote the consumption of local seafood in schools.

“The seafood marketing grants will provide support for fishermen and species where it is most needed,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Ron Amidon. “We are proud to fund these projects being done by our awardees from the North Shore to Cape Cod and the Southcoast.”

“The Seafood Marketing Grant Program continues to enhance the Commonwealth’s support to our commercial fishing industry, fishing families, and coastal communities,” said DMF Director David Pierce. “We support local advocacy and expertise to better to promote the sale of sustainably-harvested, fresh, nutritious, and delicious seafood.”

The following marketing campaigns received grants:

Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Boston: “Procuring Seafood for Schools” – $10,000 – Developing and issuing a collective procurement on behalf of school districts across Eastern Massachusetts and Central Massachusetts.  MAPC will develop the specification for the seafood products to be procured, focusing on underutilized or undervalued species from Massachusetts fishermen. 

Our Wicked Fish, South Deerfield: “Let’s Make Underutilized Species Accessible and Approachable; Showcasing Underutilized Species to Restaurants and Consumers in Massachusetts” – $10,000 - Western Massachusetts regional market accessibility evaluation of restaurants, workshops for restaurant staff, and outreach events on underutilized species to increase access and approachability. 

Williams Agency, Cambridge “Marketing Campaign to Promote Cape Shark within Ethnic Markets” – $15,000 – Promotion of Cape Shark (otherwise known as dogfish) domestically to new markets, including ethnic and Caribbean consumers/eaters in the Greater Boston area as a highlight of this year’s Boston JerkFest, a Caribbean food festival held in Boston.

City of Gloucester/Gloucester Fishermen's Wives Association, Gloucester: “Gloucester Fresh Yellowtail Flounder and Monkfish Demonstration and Promotional Program” – $12,000 – For the 'Gloucester Fresh' Yellowtail Flounder and Monkfish demonstration and promotional program at the New England Food Show, and Seafood Expo North America.

Green Crab R & D Group, Ipswich: “Scaling Up from a Small, Occasional Source of Gourmet Seafood to a Robust, Profitable Commercial Supply” – $5,000 – To increase both the culinary supply of value-added green crab products and to increase the culinary demand to ease the pressure on native shellfish species and eelgrass through partnerships with seafood wholesalers and other organizations doing green crab research and development.

New Bedford Harbor Development Commission,  New Bedford: “Moveable Feast: Cultivating New Markets for Underutilized Species” – $10,000 – Consumer education about underutilized species through cooking classes, educational material, work with retailers to document the local supply chain, and development of a stakeholder group.

Wellfleet Shellfish Company, Wellfleet: “ Global Seafood, Local Markets: A project to increase consumer knowledge and confidence at the point of sale” – $10,000 –Signage, marketing, employee training, take-home recipe cards, and tasting events to promote lesser-known but plentiful local species with sales monitoring and a survey of customers and staff on willingness to try new species.

“These funds provide opportunities to support the partnership between the City of Gloucester and the Fishermen’s Wives Association as they offer to the marketplace an underutilized species,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R- Gloucester). “The pioneering and innovative green crab initiative undertaken in Ipswich has taken an environmental threat and turned it into an economic product, the grant will help support our native species while furthering what we know and what we can do with the green crabs.”

“I am pleased to see that the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association is receiving a grant for their promotional program on yellowtail flounder and monkfish,” said State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester). “Their innovative approach to educating the public on underutilized species plays an important role in the much needed expansion of marketing in light of the current challenges facing our struggling fishing industry.”

“I am happy to learn that the Baker-Polito Administration has chosen to support the innovative efforts of the Green Crab R & D Group by awarding them a grant through the Seafood Marketing Grant Program,” said State Representative Brad Hill (R-Ipswich). “The R & D Group is working hard to increase the culinary demand for green crabs.  This will help reduce the population of this destructive invasive species, and improve the health of the Great Marsh and the soft shell clam industry.”  

“New Bedford has the freshest and best seafood in the country,” said State Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford), who helped create the Seafood Marketing Program in the Senate in 2014. “Helping educate consumers about the availability of different species makes total sense at a time when popular fish like cod are subject to harsh quotas and federal regulations.”

“There are many delicious seafood options in our waters beyond cod, scallops, and haddock that restaurants and home cooks simply haven’t tried yet,” said State Representative Antonio F.D. Cabral (D-New Bedford). “This Seafood Marketing grant will help expose the community to these underutilized species, allowing New Bedford to cultivate new markets and expand its economic potential.”

DMF’s Seafood Marketing Program works to educate people on seafood availability, preparation, health benefits, economic contribution and environmental sustainability through printed material, events, partnerships and more. Legislators, agency heads and industry members comprise the program’s steering committee.

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is responsible for promoting the conservation and enjoyment of the Commonwealth's natural resources. DFG, with its divisions including the Division of Marine Fisheries, carries out this mission through land protection and wildlife habitat management, management of inland and marine fish and wildlife species, and ecological restoration of fresh water, salt water, and terrestrial habitats. DFG promotes enjoyment of the Massachusetts environment through outdoor skills workshops, fishing festivals and other educational programs, and by enhancing access to the Commonwealth's rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.

Governor Baker, Major General Keefe Present Massachusetts Medal of Liberty to Families of Fallen Servicemembers

PHOTO RELEASE: Governor Baker, Major General Keefe Present Massachusetts Medal of Liberty to Families of Fallen Servicemembers

For more high-resolution photos, click here.

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker was joined by Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Services Francisco Ureña, Undersecretary Patrick McMurray, Massachusetts National Guard Adjutant Major General Gary Keefe and elected officials to present the Massachusetts Medal of Liberty to 14 families of fallen servicemembers.

“On behalf of the Commonwealth, we are humbled and honored to present the Medal of Liberty to the families of these Massachusetts servicemen to demonstrate our respect and gratitude for their service,”said Governor Charlie Baker. “Those honored today shared a love of country, and we are forever indebted to them for their sacrifice to protect our freedom.”

Established nearly 10 years ago by the Massachusetts Legislature in the VALOR Act of 2009, the Massachusetts Medal of Liberty is awarded to surviving family members of service men and women from the Commonwealth who were killed in action or who died in service while in a designated combat area in the line of duty or who died as a result of wounds received in action. Today’s award recipients are families whose relatives have served our nation across the globe and in multiple conflicts:  World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. The recipients represent multiple services, including the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Army. 

2018 Medal of Liberty Recipients:

Ensign Charles Mantell of the U.S. Navy died in 1944 during WWII. His nephew John Crawford of Whitinsville, MA accepted the Medal of Liberty on his behalf.

PFC Roland N. Baxter of the U.S. Army died in 1944 during WWII. His cousin Gilbert Bagley of Plainville, MA accepted the Medal of Liberty on his behalf.

CPL John M. Dawson of the U.S. Army died in 2015 while in Afghanistan as part of Operation Freedom Sentinel. His father Michael Dawson of Whitinsville, MA accepted the Medal of Liberty on his behalf.

PFC Dennis J. Conry of the U.S. Marine Corps died in 1969 while serving in Vietnam. His brother Mark Conry of Dedham, MA accepted the Medal of Liberty on his behalf.

SGT Gilbert Carvalho of the U.S. Army died in 1968 while serving in Vietnam. His daughter Brenda Aguiar of Fall River, MA accepted the Medal of Liberty on his behalf.

SSG John D. Casey of the U.S. Army Air Force died in 1946 during WWII. His cousin Evelyn Bon Tempo of Milford, MA accepted the Medal of Liberty on his behalf.

PFC John J. Maheigan of the U.S. Army died in 1945 during WWII. His brother Edward Maheigan of Dorchester, MA accepted the Medal of Liberty on his behalf.

SSG Donald H. Mann of the U.S. Army died during WWII. His granddaughter Juanita Heald of Davenport, IA accepted the Medal of Liberty on his behalf.

PFC Stanley J. Kmiotek of the U.S. Army died during WWII. His nephew Stanley E. Kmiotek of Tolland, CT accepted the Medal of Liberty on his behalf.

SPC Edgardo Zayas of the U.S. Army died in 2006 while in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His wife Suheil Campbell of Dorchester, MA accepted the Medal of Liberty on his behalf.

BM1 Brian J. Ouellette of the U.S. Navy died in 2004 while serving in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. His mother Peg Ouellette of Watertown, MA accepted the Medal of Liberty on his behalf.

MSG Francis H. Stamer of the U.S. Army died in 1950 while serving in North Korea. His stepdaughter Elaine Byrne of Newbury, MA accepted the Medal of Liberty on his behalf.

PFC John J. Mills of the U.S. Army served in WWII and died of complications from being a POW after the war. His wife Mary Mills of Brockton, MA accepted the Medal of Liberty on his behalf.

SP4 Charles J. Sabatier Jr. of the U.S. Army died in 1968 due to injuries sustained during the Vietnam War. His wife Margaret Griffin of Wellesley, MA accepted the Medal of Liberty on his behalf.

6/9起每到周末10元可無限次搭通勤火車

(Boston Orange) 從6月9日起，一直到九月勞工節那個週末，每個周末都可以只花10元，就無限次搭乘通勤火車(commuter rail)。

麻州灣區交通局(MBTA)董事會21日(週一)通過了這一決議。

對那些住在雀喜市(Chelsea)，或者奧斯頓(Allston)，搭通勤火車進城，單程只要花2.25元的民眾來說，不算多大的好處，但是對那些要來回離波士頓蠻遠地方的人來說，就很有吸引力。例如到紐百利港(Newburyport)，來回費用要23元。

It probably won’t benefit a weekend commuter from nearby communities like Chelsea or Allston, who can take the commuter rail downtown for $2.25 each way.

這個折扣價不適用於CapeFlyer，那是到鱈魚角的季節性週末服務，從南車站到鱈魚角的來回票價約維35到40元。

這個週末折扣和芝加哥的通勤火車系統週末證(weekend pass)很像。MBTA乘客可以在火車上，購票窗口，或者經由MTicket應用程式來買這種票，

平日每天，MBTA大約為12萬名乘客服務，但週末時，人數大量減少，大約是周六16,600人，週日9000人。MBTA人員表示，既然有沒乘客都得發車，他們想賭賭運氣，藉折扣來吸引更多人搭車。

波士頓市議員吳弭(Michelle Wu)正在推動，把數個車站劃進市區的1A區，也是最票價便宜的區，以期波士頓市內所有車站的票價一樣。MBTA的人說，通勤火車的區段是以到南北車站的距離來，而不是根據市鎮的地圖界線來劃分。

由於1A區的2.25元票價和1區的6.25元差距不小，麻州灣區交通局的票價政策及分析主任Laurel Paget-Seekins表示，或許在區段之間的票價，的確有可重新商議之處。

僑委會大廚到波士頓安良、鱈魚角展示台灣美食

右起，波克萊台灣商會秘書長陳玉瑛，會長楊羅東，財務郭競儒，
經文處處長徐佑典，大廚黃景龍，李啟肇，全美安良工商會總理
陳仕維，波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉。(波士頓僑教中心提供)

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 僑委會主辦的台灣美食國際巡迴講座，今年派台北市儂來餐廳總監黃景龍，台中市饗食天堂行政主廚李啟肇到波士頓，經承辦單位波克萊台灣商會安排，分別於5月18日，以及19，20日在鱈魚角Falmouth美食之家，波士頓安良工商會舉辦了三場示範教學，各有約50人參加。

             黃景龍、李啟肇兩名大廚在這3日中，不但示範了台塑無骨牛小排、蔴油雞飯、臺式水煮魚、銅鑼燒，桔醬白斬雞、生炒花枝羮、中華乾燒大明蝦、金沙排骨等七道菜餚、一個甜點的做法，還非常仔細的講解工序，甚至傳授了製作醬料秘訣。

經文處長徐佑典致詞。(波士頓僑教中心提供)

大廚黃景龍調製醬料，時尚旅由社老闆品嚐。(周菊子攝)

            波克萊台灣商會會長楊羅東，秘書長陳玉瑛，財政郭競儒這幾天分頭陪同兩名大廚師採買一應材料，在會場報幕，派發資料，安排試吃工具，忙得不可開交。

             今年參加台灣美食示範教學的學員中有多名各姓氏公所，僑團的元老及顧問級人馬，包括紐英崙至德三德公所元老翁宇才，余風采堂元老余超群，李氏公所主席李奇舜，紐英崙婦女新運會前會長李曹秀萍，紐英崙至孝篤親公所中文書記單鳳琴，曾經自己開餐館的新英格蘭台灣商會前任副會長張耀熙等等，連劍橋合唱團指揮顏毓芬都來一探台菜烹調訣竅。

談及學到的菜餚時，李奇舜表示，台塑無骨牛小排真是好吃，台式水煮魚卻意外讓他辣到喝水都不行，得馬上找其他食物來舒緩舌頭上的感覺。

             駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長徐佑典和波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉出席了至少兩場教學示範活動。在鱈魚角那場，經文處還特地商請麻州眾議員Sarah K. Peake頒發獎狀，感謝台灣大廚來美交流。歐宏偉也表揚波克萊台商會用心，把台菜帶到主流社會群眾眼前，也感謝波士頓安良工商會提供場地。

黃景龍(右)端出做好的桔醬白斬雞。(周菊子攝)

             兩名大廚在示範教學之外，還安排有為餐館把脈環節，5月17日那天到Shojo餐廳，和老闆梅沛傑交流經營理念，作法。5月21日又去了玉園餐廳，回應諮詢。5月22日轉赴紐約。

             台灣美食國際巡迴講座如今已是僑委會的年度活動之一，不但有美加東團，美加西團，美中及美南，還派了廚師到歐洲，泰國及緬甸地區，馬來西亞，南非，中南美洲，菲律賓及汶萊，大洋洲，印尼等地巡講。(圖片已於21日發表)

桔醬白斬雞。(周菊子攝)

郭競儒(左起)，陳玉瑛幫忙分裝試菜。(周菊子攝)

黃景龍大廚用麥克風講解。(周菊子攝)

HUNTINGTON MOURNS THE PASSING OF RICHARD N. GOODWIN

HUNTINGTON MOURNS THE PASSING OF RICHARD N. GOODWIN

(BOSTON) – Huntington Theatre Company leadership and staff were saddened to learn that playwright and former Huntington Trustee Richard N. Goodwin died last evening, May 20, of cancer.

In addition to being an esteemed adviser to Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, and a consultant to many Democratic leaders, Goodwin was the author of the play Two Men of Florence, produced by the Huntington in 2009, and he served on the Huntington’s Board of Trustees from 2009 to 2012.

Two Men of Florence recounted the confrontation between Pope Urban VIII and Galileo, who was accused of heresy for arguing that the Earth was not the center of the universe. The play was a success for the Huntington with both critics and audiences. 

“Dick Goodwin gave us a play with scope and scale – with big ideas of a kind that don’t come along all that often,” said Huntington Managing Director Michael Maso.  “It was a privilege, as well as great fun, to get to know him and his wife Doris, two larger-than-life figures who have each played an extraordinary role in the history of this country for 50 years. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Doris and their family.”

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Kicks Off World Trade Week by Honoring U.S. Firms with Presidential Export Award

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Kicks Off World Trade Week by Honoring U.S. Firms with Presidential Export Award 05/21/2018 11:50 AM EDT Today, at the 2018 President’s “E” Awards ceremony, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross honored 43 U.S. companies and organizations that export U.S. goods and services. Companies representing 18 states were recognized as part of the 56th anniversary of the award. This year’s honorees include 33 small and medium-sized businesses as well as 17 manufacturers. “Since his inauguration, job creation has been a top priority for President Trump as well as his entire Administration,” said Secretary Ross. “There is no better way to kick off World Trade Week than to honor these companies who have increased exports while creating jobs for communities across the United States.”  The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports. In 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and recognize America's exporters. Today’s honorees helped contribute to exporting more than two trillion dollars’ worth of U.S. goods and services in 2017, and nearly 11 million American jobs were supported by exports in 2016. This year, 25 companies and organizations were honored with the “E” Award for Exports for demonstrating a sustained increase in export sales over a four-year period. There were nine companies and organizations that assisted and facilitated export activities who received the “E” Award for Export Service. The “E” Star Award for Exports, which recognizes previous “E” Awardees who have reported four years of additional export growth, was awarded to eight firms. One company was awarded the “E” Star Award for Export Service, which recognizes previous “E” Awardees that have shown four years of continued support of exporters since first winning the “E” Award. The 2018 “E” Awardees are:  “E” Award for Exports Applied Membranes, Inc – Vista, CA Automated Packaging Systems – Streetsboro, OH Beekley Medical – Bristol, CT  Colorado Mesa University – International Student Admissions and Programs – Grand Junction, CO  Colorado State University – Fort Collins, CO CoreBrace, LLC – West Jordan, UT EXEPRON – Lafayette, LA Flexo Concepts – Plymouth, MA Fortune Products, Inc. – Cedar Park, TX Global Airtech – Van Nuys, CA GT Mfg., Inc. – Clay City, KS GTX Technologies LLC – Amarillo, TX Helicopter Tech, Inc. – King of Prussia, PA iTEP International, LLC – Canoga Park, CA Jeppsen – Englewood, CA Kira Labs Inc – Pompano Beach, FL Maxxess Systems – Yorba Linda, CA Micronova Manufacturing, Inc. – Torrance, CA Mercury Medical – Clearwater, FL PDI Ground Support Systems – Solon, OH Phenix Technology, Inc. – Riverside, CA Santa Monica College – Santa Monica, CA Thomas Gallaway Corporation DBA Technology – Irvine, CA United Franchise Group – West Palm Beach, FL WorldBusiness Capital, Inc. – Hartford, CT “E” Award for Export Service Alabama Department of Commerce – Montgomery, AL  CohnReznick LLP – New York, NY Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce – Irvine, CA First American Bank – Elk Grove Village, IL First National Bank – Pittsburgh, PA FTC Commercial Corp. – Los Angeles, CA National Marine Manufacturers Association – Chicago, IL Phillips Lytle LLP – Buffalo, NY Silicon Valley Venture Capital Corp DBA Global4PL – Milpitas, CA  “E” Star Award for Exports Allied Wire & Cable, Inc. – Collegeville, PA American Trading International, INC. – Los Angeles, CA Durbin USA – Ocean Springs, MS Heavy Equipment Resources of Florida, Inc. (HERO FL) – Jacksonville, FL Gamber-Johnson, LLC – Stevens Point, WI Hydro-Thermal Corporation – Waukesha, WI  Kuder, Inc. – Adel, IA Orgill, Inc. – Collierville, TN “E” Star Award for Export Service Specialty Equipment Market Association (SMEA) – Diamond Bar, CA American companies are nominated for “E” Awards through the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service office network, located within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. Record years of successive export growth and an applicant’s demonstration of an innovative international marketing plan that led to the increase in exports is a significant factor in selecting the overall winners. For more information about the “E” Awards and the benefits of exporting, visit www.export.gov.

Baker Announces Fiscal Year 2019 Capital Investment Plan $2.34 B

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Fiscal Year 2019 Capital Investment Plan

$2.34 billion plan will maintain and modernize existing assets and make targeted new investments, with an increased emphasis on climate change mitigation and adaptation

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today released its Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) Capital Investment Plan, which emphasizes care and maintenance of the Commonwealth’s existing assets while making targeted new investments to meet growing needs. The plan reflects a fiscally responsible approach to long-term planning and a continuing commitment to affordability.

The FY19 plan makes affordable investments in housing, higher education, transportation infrastructure and technology upgrades. It also reflects the Administration’s continuing commitment to strong partnerships with cities and towns with investments that help communities meet their local infrastructure needs.

To address the potential impact of climate change on the Commonwealth’s assets, the Administration also evaluated every investment for potential climate change implications. The administration has provided more than $60 million in FY19  to directly address issues related to climate change and also proposed a $1.4 billion environmental bond bill that included $300 million to respond to and prepare for extreme weather, sea level rise, inland flooding and other climate impacts.

“Our fourth capital investment plan builds on our Administration’s responsible and targeted approach to maintaining and funding critical state assets that benefit residents in every corner of the Commonwealth from maintaining our roads to investing in our schools,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This plan addresses some of the Commonwealth’s most pressing needs to repair local infrastructure and invest in economic development opportunities for new businesses and workforce development, and also balances new development with an evaluation for climate change implications to protect the environment well into the future.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration continues our strong partnership with cities and towns through this capital investment plan, which funds more than a dozen programs that provide direct assistance to communities for local infrastructure needs,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “From technology upgrades at city and town halls to rebuilding crumbling seawalls, the Commonwealth’s communities will long benefit from these investments.”

By including a $108 million investment in South Coast Rail, this plan puts the Commonwealth on course to provide rail service for residents of Southeastern Massachusetts. The South Coast Rail project will meet the current and future demand for public transportation between Fall River/New Bedford and Boston, and will also support smart growth development in the region.

“The Administration’s approach to capital investing continues to be guided by a strong sense of fiscal responsibility and a commitment to managing the Commonwealth’s debt responsibly,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael J. Heffernan. “This carefully-considered plan balances the need to invest in our Commonwealth’s infrastructure with prudent management of our long-term financial obligations.”

The $2.34 billion bond cap represents a responsible $80 million (3.5%) increase over Fiscal Year 2018, which is in line with the recommendations of the Debt Affordability Committee. The total capital investment for FY19, after accounting for non-bond-cap funding sources, will be $4.5 billion.

To view the FY19 Capital Investment Plan, visit: www.mass.gov/capital.

Within the Administration’s FY19 capital budget, projects focus on six major themes:

Responsible Asset Stewardship

The Baker-Polito Administration’s fourth capital plan is built on a fundamental commitment to repairing and modernizing the state’s existing capital assets, to avoid costly future repairs, while taking a strategic approach to new investments for future growth.

·       74 percent of the plan is dedicated to maintenance and modernization, including rebuilding, reconstructing or reconditioning existing assets

·       26 percent of the plan is dedicated to targeted growth through creation of new assets or increasing investments in priority areas

The plan funds:

·       $807 million in bond cap for maintaining and modernizing the Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure

·       $190 million for projects on higher education campuses

·       $85 million to support maintenance and improvements at local housing authorities

·       $11 million for major improvements to skating rinks and swimming pools

·       More than $7 million in state-share of funding for a new, state-of-the-art long-term care facility for veterans at the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea, a $200 million project that is expected to receive 65% reimbursement by the federal government

·       $3.15 million in funding for renovations at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, for deferred maintenance, resiliency work, and site improvements

Supporting Local Communities

This plan also strengthens the Baker-Polito Administration’s partnership with cities and towns, which is most visible through the Community Compact program. As of May 2018, all 351 cities and towns have signed Community Compact agreements, making them eligible for technology grants funded through the capital plan, as well as other benefits.

In total, the FY19 capital plan funds more than a dozen grant programs that help local communities build libraries, improve access for people with disabilities to municipal buildings, and fund infrastructure projects that help unlock economic development opportunities.

The plan funds:

·       $200 million in Chapter 90 funding for local road and bridge repairs

·       $16.6 million to extend residential broadband internet service in underserved communities in Western Massachusetts and the Berkshires

·       $9 million for the municipal small bridge program, which funds repair and replacement of small bridges that don’t qualify for federal funding

·       $5 million for Housing Choice, a new initiative that funds capital grants to cities and towns that meet certain housing production goals and have adopted best practices that will help meet the housing needs of Massachusetts’ workforce

·       $2.5 million to help cities and towns redevelop brownfields sites

·       $2 million in Community Compact technology grants

·       $500,000 to provide state matching funds to local police departments to purchase bulletproof vests

Economic Opportunities for All

The plan provides for investments to promote economic development in every region of the Commonwealth. They include:

·       $80 million for MassWorks grants, which fund critical local infrastructure improvements that help pave the way for economic development projects

·       $35 million for dredging in Boston Harbor, and $4 million for other dredging projects to promote economic development in smaller port cities

·       $15 million for grants to high schools, community colleges and community-based nonprofits to purchase equipment that supports training for workforce development

·       $1 million for the Massachusetts Food Trust program to encourage economic opportunities in the food sector while bringing healthy food options to underserved communities

Preparing for a Changing Climate

The FY19 capital plan incorporates the goals of Executive Order 569, which was signed by Governor Baker in 2016 and outlines a comprehensive approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting and preparing the Commonwealth for the impact of climate change. In building the capital plan, the Administration evaluated every investment for potential climate change implications.

The plan funds:

·       $55 million for transit-oriented housing, increasing the use of public transportation

·       $20.9 million for sustainability and resiliency improvements to state facilities

·       $12 million to help communities address deteriorating dams and rebuild seawalls

·       $11 million in grants to cities and towns for climate change vulnerability planning and adaptation efforts.

·       $10.9 million for more energy-efficient transit fleets

·       $5 million for a new program to accelerate energy efficiency improvements in public housing

Customer Orientation

The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to delivering efficient and secure service to the public, and this plan funds technology and other capital improvements that prioritize enhanced security and modernization of core services. The FY19 capital plan includes:

·       $17.4 million to fund a more secure IT infrastructure for all Executive branch agencies by moving to a singular, modern, secure network

·       $1.75 million to support a shared, modern, online system to better serve residents and businesses interacting with the Departments of Environmental Protection, Conservation and Recreation, and Agricultural Resources

Value Optimization

The FY19 capital plan seeks to leverage other sources of funding to maximize the value of the Commonwealth’s investments. This year’s plan leverages over $1 billion in federal funding, including over $900 million for transportation programs such as the federal-aid highway program and the Green Line Extension (GLX) project. The Boston Harbor dredging project, for example, leverages matching funds from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Massport.

The plan also funds:

·       $5.7 million to make improvements to bicycle and pedestrian lanes, leveraging $12.3 million in federal funding sources for green transportation alternatives

·       $1.9 million in grants to public schools that complement federal grants to provide high speed internet and Wi-Fi access in schools; in FY19, the remaining 29 schools in Massachusetts that have reported a Wi-Fi need will be funded