Governor Baker Nominates Attorneys Jason Yu-Ting Chan and Nicole A. Colby Longton as Associate Justices of the District Court

 Governor Baker Nominates Attorneys Jason Yu-Ting Chan and Nicole A. Colby Longton as Associate Justices of the District Court

 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Baker nominated Attorneys Jason Yu-Ting Chan and Nicole A. Colby Longton as Associate Justices of the District Court.

 

“With the addition of Attorneys Jason Yu-Ting Chan and Nicole A. Colby Longton as Associate Justices of the District Court, Massachusetts will receive two candidates well-suited for the judiciary,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are proud to submit their nominations for consideration.”

 

“Attorneys Chan and Longton both possess years of courtroom experience and extensive community service that makes them well-qualified candidates for the District Court,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “I am pleased to submit these nominations to the Governor’s Council for their advice and consent.”

 

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties; all misdemeanors; and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. The District Court is located in 62 courts across the Commonwealth.

 

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage.

 

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

 

About Jason Yu-Ting Chan

 

Jason Yu-Ting Chan began his legal career in 2007 as an Assistant District Attorney at the Worcester District Attorney’s Office, where, until 2009, he tried over 50 cases as a prosecutor. Since 2013, Attorney Chan has worked at Seed, Chan and Associates, LLC., as an attorney and partner, practicing criminal defense in state and federal court. Attorney Chan is also an active member of the community, serving on the boards of the OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates of New England, the Asian American Lawyers of Massachusetts and the Kwong Kow Chinese School. He has also volunteered with the AAPI Civil Rights Conference as well as the Boston University Asian Pacific American Law Students Association. Attorney Chan received his bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University in 2000 and his Juris Doctorate from New England Law School in 2007.

 

About Nicole A. Colby Longton

Nicole A. Colby Longton began her legal career in 2002 as a legal intern with the Drug Task Force in the United States Attorney’s Office. After graduating law school, Attorney Longton then joined McDermott, Will and Emery as an associate in the trial department. Since 2009, Attorney Longton has owned Longton Law Office, where she focuses on criminal defense, personal injury and business litigation. Attorney Longton is also an active member of the community, working with Girls on the Run, Life Skills Inc., Yarock Memorial Housing and the Worcester County Toy Drive. She has also worked with the American Moot Court Association and is a member of the Holy Cross Lawyers’ Association. Attorney Longton received her bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross in 2000 and her Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School in 2003.

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Additional $7 Million for COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Efforts

 Baker-Polito Administration Awards Additional $7 Million for

COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Efforts

 

Funding supports ongoing efforts to increase awareness and access to vaccines in communities hardest hit by the pandemic

 

BOSTON (June 29, 2022) – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced an additional $7 million in funding to support organizations working in communities hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding is a component of the Massachusetts Vaccine Equity Initiative to increase awareness and access to the COVID-19 vaccine and mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. The latest grants are part of the Administration’s investments of over $58 million to promote vaccine access and confidence, primarily in communities of color.

 

The grants are the result of budget appropriations from the Massachusetts Legislature, building on the state’s investment to increase vaccine awareness and acceptance. These funds support community organizations to continue the work of reducing barriers to vaccine access and promoting vaccines and boosters for communities and populations most disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

 

“Throughout the pandemic, we have turned to trusted community-based organizations who know their communities best,” said Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke. “They continue to tap their knowledge and relationships to expand and support our Vaccine Equity Initiative by addressing the unique health equity needs of the populations they serve – needs that continue to be exacerbated by COVID-19.”

 

$5.9 million has been awarded to 72 community- and faith-based organizations, including five Tribal and Indigenous People-serving organizations, in partnership with Health Resources in Action (HRiA).

 

The organizations will provide culturally appropriate outreach and education on COVID-19 vaccination and mitigation and will host and promote vaccine clinics for priority populations most impacted by COVID-19. Funded organizations will engage families and children for pediatric vaccinations and boosters.

 

HRiA will also engage in a new partnership with Health Care for All (HCFA), which received close to $1 million of the new funding to conduct tailored community outreach in communities most impacted by COVID-19. This amount includes $415,000 to fund seven additional community- and faith-based organizations.

 

Award Recipients for Community Outreach and Education (HRiA) ($5.9 million total)

Grant size: $38,500 - $125,000 per organization

 

• African Community Education Program, Worcester
• African Cultural Services, Inc., Waltham
• Asian American Civic Association, Boston
• Asian Women for Health, Boston
• Asociacion Ministerial Evangelica Del Area de Lawrence, Lawrence
• Autism Sprinter, Randolph
• Black Springfield COVID-19 Coalition, Springfield
• Black Boston COVID-19 Coalition, Boston
• BRIDGE (Berkshire Resources for the Integration of Diverse Groups and Education), Lee
• Brockton Area Multi-Services, Inc., (BAMSI) Brockton
• Building Audacity, Lynn
• Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Lowell (CMAA), Lowell
• Centro Comunitario de Trabajadores, New Bedford (TIPSO)
• Centro de Apoyo Familiar (CAF), Lawrence
• Chappaquiddick Tribe of the Wampanoag Indian Nation Corporation, Edgartown
• Chelsea Black Community, Chelsea
• Chica Project, Boston
• Chinese Culture Connection, Inc., Malden
• Coalition for a Better Acre, Lowell
• Community Economic Development Center, New Bedford
• DEAF, Inc., Allston
• Dwelling House of Hope, Inc., Lowell
• Extreme Kid Inc. (Fiscal sponsor: New North Citizens’ Council), Springfield
• Fishing Partnership, New Bedford
• Greater Framingham Community Church, Framingham
• Greater Lowell Health Alliance, Lowell
• GreenRoots, Chelsea
• Haitian Community Partners, Brockton
• Haitian Health Institute, Boston
• Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe, Plymouth (TIPSO)
• Immigrants Assistance Center, New Bedford
• JAHAN Women and Youth Intercultural, Boston
• Jewish Family Service of Metrowest, Framingham
• La Colaborativa/Chelsea Collaborative, Chelsea
• Latinos Unidos en Massachusetts, Everett
• Leaving the Streets Ministries, Inc, Haverhill
• Love Your Menses, Boston
• Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety & Health (MassCOSH), Boston
• Massachusetts Council of Churches, Boston
• MOCHA (Fiscal sponsor: YMCA of Greater Springfield), Springfield
• New American Association of Massachusetts, Lynn
• New Life Community Empowerment Center, Brockton
• New North Citizens’ Council, Springfield
• Next Leadership Development, Boston
• Nigerian American Multi-Service Association (NAMSA), Shrewsbury
• North American Indian Center of Boston, Boston
• Ohketeau Cultural Center, Ashfield
• OneHolyoke CDC, Holyoke
• People Affecting Community Change (PACC Global), Boston
• Pinnacle Partnerships Corp, Brockton
• Pioneer Valley Project, Springfield
• Pioneer Valley Workers Center, Northampton
• Randolph Community Partnership, Randolph
• Sarepta Women and Children Empowerment Center/Synergy Partnership, Taunton
• Somali Parents Advocacy Center for Education (SPACE), Everett
• South Asian Workers' Center, Boston
• Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts, Worcester
• Spanish American Center, Leominster
• Springfield Boys and Girls Club, Springfield
• The Black Literacy and Arts Collaborative Project, Inc., Quincy
• The Boston Project Ministries, Dorchester
• The Center for Hope and Healing, Lowell
• The Everett Haitian Community Center, Everett
• The Joint Committee for Children's Health Care, Everett
• The Latino Health Insurance Program, Inc., Framingham
• The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, Lynn
• UHAI for Health, INC, Worcester
• Who's Got Morale, Roxbury
• Women Encouraging Empowerment Inc., Revere
• Worcester Interfaith, Worcester
• YMCA of Greater Boston, Boston
• YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts, New Bedford

 

Award Recipients for Tailored Community Outreach (HCFA) ($415,000 total)

Grant size: $52,000 - $77,000 per organization 

• ACEDONE: African Community Economic Development of New England
• Authentic Caribbean Foundation: Boston, Brockton, Mattapan, Worcester, and Springfield
• Brazilian American Center: Framingham
• Making Opportunity Count: Fitchburg and Leominster
• NewVue: Fitchburg and Leominster
• The Learning Center for the Deaf: Framingham
• True Alliance Center: Mattapan, Brockton, and Randolph

AG HEALEY LAUNCHES NEW EDUCATION CAMPAIGN FOR CUSTOMERS SEEKING HELP WITH THIS SUMMER’S RECORD HIGH ELECTRICITY RATES

 AG HEALEY LAUNCHES NEW EDUCATION CAMPAIGN FOR CUSTOMERS SEEKING HELP WITH THIS SUMMER’S RECORD HIGH ELECTRICITY RATES

Monthly Bills Expected to Increase Significantly over Last Year; AG’s Office Working with Organizations to Raise Awareness About Available Assistance

 

              BOSTON – With electricity rates set to soar to record high prices this summer, Attorney General Maura Healey today launched a campaign to educate customers across the state about the programs available to help them reduce their energy usage and lower their bills.

 

            Inflation, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and other factors are driving up fossil fuel prices and in turn energy rates for customers across the country this summer. Starting July 1, Eversource basic service rates in the company’s eastern division will rise to 17.871 cents/kWh – a more than 30 percent increase on a monthly bill in comparison to last summer’s rates of 10.753 cents/kWh. With this new rate residential Eversource basic service electric customers with average usage will see their monthly bill jump to $212.15 from $160.29 last summer. Customers with Eversource’s western division or other utilities should also expect to see a smaller but still significant increase to their bills over last summer. As part of this new education campaign, the AG’s Office is working with service organizations and municipalities across the state to educate customers on the new rates and the available financial assistance programs. The campaign will include multilingual radio PSAs, multilingual flyers, an updated website, as well as trainings and webinars.

 

            “As temperatures rise this summer, so will your monthly bills. We want families who are worried about paying their monthly bills to know that help is available to manage these record high energy rates,” said AG Healey. “My office will continue to be a resource for customers looking for guidance on lowering energy usage and ways to cut down on costs in the coming months.”    

Lower your energy usage

The AG’s Office recommends that customers consider contacting Mass Save for an energy efficiency audit to see how they can reduce their overall energy use, which should result in lower monthly utility bills over time. Customers can also lower their bill by adjusting their air conditioner setting, either manually or by installing a programmable thermostat – for every degree higher, the unit will use 1 to 3 percent less electricity. Closing window coverings on hot sunny days can reduce indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees. Customers who are interested in reducing energy usage through solar panels or community solar programs should first visit the AG’s Office FAQ with consumer tips at www.mass.gov/ago/solar.

 

            Enroll in a payment plan with your utility

 

Massachusetts utility companies offer several financial assistance programs for customers, including flexible payment plans – regardless of income. The AG’s Office encourages customers who are experiencing difficulty paying their monthly bills to contact their utility as soon as possible to learn about the options available to them and other ways to reduce energy use and lower bills.

Customers who enroll in and follow a payment plan with their utility company are protected from having their service shut off for the duration of the plan. Most utility companies are providing payment plans for up to 12 months. Customers should also consider enrolling in budget billing with their utility, which will establish more predictable payments and can thus help customers better manage utility costs that often fluctuate depending on the season, the price of energy, and customer usage.

 

Look into income-eligible assistance programs

 

The AG’s Office encourages customers who are struggling financially to consult with their utility company to see if they qualify for an income-eligible rate, which provides a discount on the customer’s entire bill. Customers could be eligible for low-income assistance, even if they have not been eligible in the past, as eligibility is based on the last four weeks of gross household income. Customers may also qualify for a balance forgiveness or arrearage management programs (AMP). The AMP provides for an individualized payment plan that, if followed, allows all or a portion of a customer’s outstanding unpaid balance to be forgiven.

 

Customers who have a household income that is between 60 to 80 percent of the state median income may be able to seek help from the Good Neighbor Energy Fund.

            Beware of competitive suppliers

 

The AG’s Office urges customers to beware of deceptive competitive electric suppliers who may try to take advantage of this summer’s high rates and lure customers in with a promise of cheaper electricity. A report released by the AG’s Office in April 2021 showed that Massachusetts customers who received their electricity from competitive suppliers were charged $426 million more on their bills than if they would have stayed with their utility. The AG’s report also found that these suppliers charge low-income residents and residents in communities of color higher rates for their electricity.

 

            As the ratepayer advocate for Massachusetts, AG Healey’s Energy and Telecommunications Division works to ensure reasonable prices, access to clean energy for all customers, and to educate them on the available programs that will help them keep the lights on and stay cool.

 

For more information on electric prices and the available assistance programs view the AG’s new resource flyer and webpage, which includes contact information for the state’s utility companies. The resource flyer – which is available in Spanish and Portuguese and will be available in Haitian Creole, Mandarin, and Vietnamese – will be provided to community organizations including consumer advocates, municipal associations, nonprofit service organizations, and food pantries. Customers who have concerns about their utility rights should contact the AG’s consumer assistance hotline at 617-727-8400 or file a complaint online. 

紐英崙至孝篤親公所賀宗親陳孔恩榮升波士頓警察局社區參與總監

至孝篤親公所核心成員和嘉賓，洪青體育會醒獅隊合影。左起，陳鐵堅、陳建立、波士頓經文處處長孫儉元，陳孔恩的父親陳榮佐，妻子Phuong Chan，陳孔恩，波士頓市長吳弭，麻州眾議員麥家威 (Aaron Michlewitz)，篤親元老陳仕維，篤親主席陳文珊，紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝，及波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮。(周菊子攝)

麻州眾議員麥家威 (Aaron Michlewitz)(右)頒發表揚狀給陳孔恩。左為至孝篤親公所
主席陳文珊。(周菊子攝)

                      (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 紐英崙至孝篤親公所6月26日晚在帝苑大酒樓席開20餘桌，慶祝宗親陳孔恩榮升波士頓市警察局社區參與總監。波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) ，麻州眾議員麥家威 (Aaron Michlewitz) ，波士頓市議會議長愛德華費連 (Ed Flynn) 都專程出席，慶祝晚宴更顯隆重。

波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)恭喜陳孔恩夫婦 (左)和其父陳榮佐。 (周菊子攝)

駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元，僑教中心主任潘昭榮這晚也應邀出席。至孝篤親公所自己的宗親，麻州老人事務署署長陳倩 (Elizabeth Chen)也現身了。

            近年鮮少在公開場合露面，但仍然在波士頓市華人社區中舉足輕重，備受敬重的紐英崙至孝篤親公所元老陳毓禮，這晚更是高興的在兒子陳孟君陪同中出席，為他提攜的宗親後輩事業更上層樓，表達祝賀心意。

陳孔恩夫婦和家人合影。 

中華頤養院共同創辦人陳秀英，阮陳金鳳，梅伍銀寬這些大波士頓僑界的資深耆英，這天也都為宗親，僑社有子弟光宗耀祖，感到高興，那怕出趟門不容易，也要來祝賀。

陳孔恩那年已89歲，1956年從廣東台山來到波士頓，在「好世界」餐廳當大廚，一輩子都在為子女打拼的父親陳榮佐說，為人父母，最開心就是看到子女有成的這時刻。除了陳孔恩的大哥住在加州外，他們家這天都來為至親慶賀。

至孝篤親公所主席陳文珊、鄺劍峰夫婦邀波士頓經文處處長孫儉元、僑教中心主任潘昭榮
出席同賀。(周菊子攝)

根據維基百科，在1635到1828年間，波士頓市沒有正式的警察局組織。1703年時，晚上巡邏的人，薪水才一個月35先令。1838年議會通過法案，准許市鎮指派警官後，才為警察局的於1854年正式成立鋪了路。

波士頓市長吳弭特地抱著小兒子Case來和難得出現在公眾場合中的僑領陳毓禮(前右)
打招呼。 (周菊子攝)

根據波士頓警察局網站資訊，警察局最高職位是局長，其次為各局處總監 (Superintendent-in-Chief) ，警察局內共分9個局處，警察局長辦公室，總監辦公室，田野服務局，調查服務局，專業標準局，專業發展局，情報及分析局，行政及科技局，社區參與局。

波士頓市長吳弭特地抱著小兒子Case來和難得出現在公眾場合中的僑領陳毓禮(前右)打招呼。

2021年時，波士頓市大約有警察3100餘人。過去這20年來，華裔警察人數增加不少，但仍僅約50人，做到總監層級的，之前僅有現已退休的梅志強 (Kenneth   Fong) ，現在則是陳孔恩。

波士頓市議會議長Ed Flynn(左一)也特地趕來祝賀。 (周菊子攝)

陳孔恩在今年 (2022)4月底升任波士頓警察局社區參與局總監，至孝篤親公所好不容易才敲定6月26日慶賀，還邀到波士頓市長吳弭等嘉賓出席。

陳孔恩感謝宗親設宴慶賀時說，當年父母從廣東台山一個小村鎮，飄洋過海來美國，就為給子女更好的生活環境，然後又遇到宗親陳毓禮提攜，家族親人互相扶持，現在又有本身就是個劈荊斬棘先驅的波士頓現任市長吳弭給他機會晉級。他要感謝的人，實在很多

波士頓警察局社區參與總監陳孔恩(左)和波士頓消防局副局長黃瑞瑜在波士頓市政府之內，
是波士頓市長吳弭，以及幕僚長朱為婷之外，層級最高的華裔。梅志強(右)也曾任
波士頓警察局總監，現已退休，刻正代理Bedford市警察局局長。 (周菊子攝)

代表華埠，在位剛滿10年的麻州眾議員麥家威 (Aaron Michlewit)笑說，自己還年輕時就認識陳孔恩了。陳孔恩在服務上對社區的貢獻，大家有目共睹。他代表州議會，以及有事先離席的波士頓市議會議長Ed Flynn頒給陳孔恩2份表揚狀。

波士頓經文處處長孫儉元表示，他到埠上任約2年，已和陳孔恩建立非常良好的工作關係，感謝陳孔恩這些年來給經文處的幫助，伸出的友誼之手，希望經文處有機會聊以回報。

波士頓市長吳弭表示，很高興有機會當著大眾的面，恭喜陳孔恩職位升遷。她說陳孔恩的經歷，是個勤奮有所成的範例。在波士頓出生，如今為波士頓市民服務，陳孔恩也是個飲水思源不忘本的例子。她滿臉掬笑的強調，是陳永恩自己的表現很好，讓他得到升職機會。今天的這慶祝會，既是慶祝波士頓市的進步，也是陳孔恩作為社區一分子所代表的成功，以及他的家人為支持他所做的犧牲。

致詞時吳弭還特地稱許陳毓禮這些年來在社區展現的領導力，以及關愛，為許多人開啟了大門。她笑說自己現在仍然會接到陳毓禮打來的電話，告訴她該幫助那些人。

慶祝會司儀陳黃美蘭在主持節目時打趣指出，這晚的宴會非常安全，不但有很多波士頓警察在場，有另一個城市 (Bedford)的警察 (代理警察局局長梅志強 ，Ken Fong)在，還有波士頓市消防局副局長黃瑞瑜，都是座上嘉賓。

紐英崙至孝篤親公所主席陳文珊的丈夫也是波士頓警察，這晚她代表公所送給陳孔恩夫婦一座關公雕像，有如期許陳孔恩將來在社區中主持正義。 (來源: 僑務電子報，請查閱https://ocacnews.net/article/313653 )

MAYOR WU JOINS FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL PARTNERS TO ANNOUNCE FEDERAL FUNDING RECEIVED FOR MOAKLEY PARK COASTAL RESILIENCE

MAYOR WU JOINS FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL PARTNERS TO ANNOUNCE FEDERAL FUNDING RECEIVED FOR MOAKLEY PARK COASTAL RESILIENCE Federal funds will support the protection of Moakley Park and surrounding areas from coastal flooding due to climate change

June 28th, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu, joined by Congressman Stephen Lynch, Senator Ed Markey, Senator Elizabeth Warren and State and Local officials, held a press conference at Moakley Park in South Boston to announce a $2.2 Million climate resilience project at Moakley Park. (Mayor's Office Photo by Jeremiah Robinson) BOSTON - Tuesday, June 28, 2022- Today, Mayor Michelle Wu joined Congressman Stephen Lynch, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Boston City Council President, Councilor Ed Flynn, Sarah White, Director of Resilience, MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), and Fred Lasky, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) to announce a $2.2 million federal pre-disaster mitigation (PDM) earmark grant to protect critical infrastructure and residents in South Boston and Dorchester from the impacts of climate change. This earmark will be used to complete all planning, design, and permitting for key climate resilience projects on City- and State-owned lands located on either side of Moakley Park, building upon the City’s on-going work within Moakley Park focused on climate resilience. This funding was secured in the House of Representatives by Congressman Lynch and by Senator Warren and Senator Markey in the Senate.  June 28th, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu, joined by Congressman Stephen Lynch, Senator Ed Markey, Senator Elizabeth Warren  and State and Local officials, held a press conference at Moakley Park in South Boston to announce a $2.2 Million climate resilience project at Moakley Park. (Mayor's Office Photo by Jeremiah Robinson) This $2.2 million climate resilience project received through support from Boston's Congressional delegation helps deliver on Mayor Wu’s vision of a Green New Deal. It also represents a unique and critical partnership between all levels of government to move forward on climate resilience infrastructure investments in an environmental justice community. The project builds on years of community engagement with residents around related efforts led by the City and will help prepare additional areas of Boston for the effects of climate change.  “For decades, Moakley Park has connected Dorchester and South Boston, bringing together residents from across our city and state,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m grateful to Congressman Lynch, Senator Warren and Senate Markey for this incredible victory and important step forward at Moakley Park for our city, our climate and communities.” “By proactively addressing the damaging potential of sea level rise at Moakley Park, South Boston is setting a shining example for coastal communities throughout our Nation and building on the legacy of my predecessor, Congressman Joe Moakley, who grew up in the nearby Mary Ellen McCormack Apartments and worked tirelessly to preserve Boston’s coastline,” Congressman Stephen F. Lynch said.  “I am proud to have secured a $1.65 million earmark for Moakley Park in the House version of the 2022 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, which will be used to strengthen climate resilience and protect the 1,700 low-income families who live in the Mary Ellen McCormack Apartments and the Anne M. Lynch Homes at Old Colony.  Along with Senator Warren, Senator Markey, and Mayor Wu, I am grateful for the support of the Mary Ellen McCormack Tenant Task Force and our local partners in state and local government—State Senator Nick Collins, State Representative David Biele, City Council President Ed Flynn, and City Councilors Michael Flaherty and Frank Baker—whose strong advocacy for the Moakley Park project was essential to securing this funding.” “Moakley Park floods too regularly - and climate change is making flooding more frequent and severe. I'm glad to join Senator Markey, Congressman Lynch and Mayor Wu in celebrating the federal funds secured for this critical project. I'll keep fighting for federal funds to invest in climate resilience efforts in Massachusetts,” said Senator Warren. “The families of South Boston deserve public parks and lands that are made more resilient to extreme weather and a changing climate so that public workers and visitors alike can continue to enjoy these spaces for years to come,” said Senator Ed Markey. “I am proud to have worked alongside my colleagues to secure federal funding that will pave the way for these climate resilience projects and bring this great city one step closer to realizing its Climate Ready Boston agenda.” As a coastal city, Boston continues to prepare for the impacts of climate change, including rising seas and more intense storms through our Climate Ready Boston initiative. Boston prepares for major coastal storms under future conditions of around forty inches of sea level rise, which is expected by the 2070’s, given current greenhouse gas emissions. The area of Boston at and adjacent to Moakley Park is a flood entry point, which is an area of the city that would become the front line of water entering deep into Boston all the way to Roxbury, if flood protection is not built.  This year, the City of Boston submitted a $34 million proposal to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to design and construct flood protection within Moakley Park. This submission builds on work led by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department to outline and deliver on a $250 million vision for a complete redesign of the park. Additionally, the City submitted a $2.2 million proposal to MEMA and FEMA for the earmark being celebrated today to plan and design additional flood protection adjacent and connected to flood protection within Moakley Park to extend the area of protection across more of the neighborhood in the long term.  This earmark focuses on protection of the broader community of residents in South Boston and Dorchester, as well as critical regional infrastructure, including the Columbus Park Headworks owned by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. Columbus Park Headworks handles a large portion of the City’s wastewater, as well as the Massachusetts State Police Station South Boston located on land managed by the Massachusetts Department of Recreation and Conservation.  “MWRA is proud to be a part of this great initiative. Everybody talks about climate change, but it’s great to be a part of a team that is actively working on solutions,” said Fred Laskey, MWRA’s Executive Director. “The beaches in South Boston are regarded as the cleanest urban beaches in the country. The Columbus Park Headworks project will protect the facilities that keep these beaches clean for all to enjoy.” “The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) created the Office of Climate Resilience to address climate change, but we cannot tackle these issues alone which is why we are so pleased to be part of the mitigation efforts at Moakley Park,” said DCR Commissioner Doug Rice. “We applaud Mayor Wu and the City of Boston for taking the lead on this, and are proud to partner with all the agencies involved to preserve this popular beach and the community that surrounds it.” Building on a City action within Moakley Park, this earmark will extend the area protected, while delivering partnership between the City, State, and federal government to protect residents, safeguard critical infrastructure, and improve safety and quality of life in Boston. The City of Boston is committed to preparing for the impacts of climate change such as flooding, sea level rise and extreme heat. Climate Ready Boston and the Boston Parks Department have developed coastal resilience solutions for Moakley Park, South Boston, and Dorchester, the areas most impacted by this funding, as well as Downtown and the North End, East Boston, and Charlestown. Mayor Wu also announced the City of Boston’s first ever Heat Plan to better prepare Boston for hotter summers and more intense heat events. Recently, Mayor Wu shared her administration’s first proposed budget which includes groundbreaking investments in climate action to create a more resilient and just city. These investments include $2.5 million for a new Climate Ready Streets program within Climate Ready Boston to deliver on heat resilience, stormwater management, and air quality on key transportation corridors, $20 million for a nation-leading pilot for energy retrofits in triple deckers and other multi-family homes while maintaining affordability, $2.5 million of ARPA funds to grow and preserve our urban tree canopy, and $137 million in capital funding, plus operating investments, to create and protect parks, the tree canopy, and open spaces in the city.