MAYOR WALSH PRESENTS ENERGY POSITIVE (E+) GREEN BUILDING AWARD FOR HOMES IN ROXBURY

MAYOR WALSH PRESENTS ENERGY POSITIVE (E+) GREEN BUILDING AWARD FOR HOMES IN ROXBURY

Announces Request for Proposals for New E+ Homes in Dorchester

BOSTON - Wednesday, June 22, 2016 - Today, Mayor Martin J. Walsh joined representatives from Boston's utility companies and other city officials to present local design and development firm Urbanica with a green building award and a $10,000 prize for the company's successful creation of Boston's best performing energy positive homes. The three-bedroom townhomes at the corner of Highland and Marcella Streets in Roxbury produce more energy than they consume in a year, and they are certified as LEED Platinum, the US Green Building Council's highest marker for sustainable design.   All of the homes are energy efficient with highly insulated air-tight walls and windows, LED lights, solar panels and water efficient plumbing. The design features which include energy recovery ventilation ensures access to fresh air while allowing the homes to keep a consistent temperature throughout the year with minimal heating in the winter or cooling in the summer months.   "These homes embody the kind of neighborhood based innovation that helps make Boston a world leader on climate change issues," said Mayor Walsh. "I want to congratulate Urbanica on receiving this special award, and I thank all of the partners who have helped to make Boston's E+ Green Building Program successful."   Since construction was completed in 2013, the City has been working with a local company to monitor the performance of the units. Over the past year, the four townhomes, which are each 1,970 square feet, collectively had a net electricity production of approximately 12,600 kilowatt hours. Together they create enough surplus energy annually to power a typical three-bedroom home.   The homes on Highland Street demonstrate the ability to deliver deep green energy positive living at a dense urban scale.   For its part, Urbanica will donate the $10,000 prize to the Hawthorne Youth and Community Center, a beloved non-profit that serves Roxbury's Highland Park neighborhood with educational, cultural, and recreational programming for youth and adults. The center is in the midst of an expansion project that includes a deep energy retrofit.   During the event, Mayor Walsh announced a new request for proposals (RFP)for the next phase of Boston's Energy Positive (E+) Green Building Program. The city is seeking a development partner to create four additional E+ housing units on a vacant city-owned parcel in the Talbot Norfolk Triangle neighborhood of Dorchester. Responses to the RFP are due on September 19, 2016.   The E+ Green Building Program is managed jointly by the Boston Redevelopment Authority, the Department of Neighborhood Development, and the Environment Department. The program's sponsors include Eversource and National Grid, which funded today's prize, as well as the US Green Building Council (USGBC), the Massachusetts USGBC Chapter, and the Boston Society of Architects/AIA.   Embue, a Boston-based company that develops hardware, software, and services for energy monitoring, received a grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to track the performance of the E+ homes on Highland Street.

Baker-Polito Administration Breaks Ground on Water Pipeline and Hydropower Turbine at Fish Hatchery

Baker-Polito Administration Breaks Ground on Water Pipeline and Hydropower Turbine at Fish Hatchery

BELCHERTOWN – June 24, 2016 – Governor Charlie Baker and Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton today joined anglers and state and local officials at the McLaughlin Fish Hatchery in Belchertown for a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the construction of a nearly mile-long water pipeline and hydropower turbine that will supply six million gallons of water daily to the hatchery, produce renewable energy and reduce the hatchery’s electric demand.

“This project will supply the necessary cold water needed by the Commonwealth’s largest trout hatchery for decades to come, while lowering operational costs, saving energy and producing a renewable source of power,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This allows for increased energy security and further reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.”

“This great multi-agency partnership will improve trout hatchery operations while also helping the state meet its clean energy targets,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “By developing renewable resources and reducing energy use, the Commonwealth is working towards a clean, affordable and resilient energy future.”

“Once complete, this pipeline will save money by harnessing hydropower to reduce electric demand and produce clean energy, and will also help the state provide a quality trout fishing experience for local and visiting anglers to Massachusetts,” said EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton. “Innovative projects like this one are the reason the Commonwealth continues to lead the way on clean energy, energy efficiency and the adoption of new technologies.”

The new 20-inch diameter pipeline, a nearly mile-long spur from the Massachusetts Water Resources’ (MWRA) Chicopee Valley Aqueduct, will deliver water from the Quabbin Reservoir to the McLaughlin Fish Hatchery. The pipeline will begin near the MWRA’s Brutsch Water Treatment Facility in Ware, cross Route 9 into Belchertown and parallel East Street down to the hatchery.

“We are delighted to be working with the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Department of Energy Resources on this important project,” said MWRA Executive Director Fred Laskey. “It’s a great opportunity to help the hatchery and provide a new source of renewable energy within our water system.”

Currently, the McLaughlin Fish Hatchery pumps water directly to its water distribution system from the Swift River. However, because trout prefer cold water, warm river temperatures during the hot summer months affects trout production. The new pipeline will deliver water from the cold, deep bottom of the Quabbin Reservoir, providing consistently coldwater temperatures that will enhance the hatchery’s capacity to raise trout. 

“The McLaughlin Hatchery, our largest of five hatcheries, produces almost half of the agency’s hatchery trout, about 225,000 pounds of brook, brown and rainbow trout,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner George Peterson.“The fish are then stocked in nearly 500 rivers, streams, lakes and ponds throughout Massachusetts.”

“MassWildlife’s trout stocking program has always been very popular with anglers,” said MassWildlife Director Jack Buckley. “This spring, our new trout stocking webpage with daily scheduled updates was one of the 10 most visited websites in the entire Commonwealth system.”

Gravity-fed water from the pipeline eliminates the need for energy to pump water from the river, reducing the hatchery’s electrical demand by 588,000 kilowatt hours annually. As the water travels from the higher-elevation reservoir down to the hatchery, it will pass through an approximately 60 kilowatt hydropower system, producing an estimated 440,000 kilowatt hours of renewable energy annually that will be exported to the power grid.

“Massachusetts is a national leader in clean energy and energy efficiency and our state agencies are leading the way with innovative projects like the McLaughlin Hatchery Pipeline,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson. “DOER is committed to working with our partners across the Commonwealth to expand clean and renewable energy solutions that save taxpayer dollars.”

“This is a great example of one project serving many purposes and providing multiple benefits,” said State Representative Susannah Whipps Lee (R-Athol). “This innovative project will benefit the residents of the Quabbin region for years to come.”

“This is a terrific example of state agencies working together in innovative ways,”said State Representative Todd Smola (R-Warren). “It seems fitting that cold water from the Quabbin will be used to raise trout that will go to stock the reservoir later on.”

“I thank the Baker Administration for recognizing the importance of our natural resources and helping to sustain our trout hatchery,” said State Senator Anne Gobi (D-Spencer). “Keeping a viable hatchery in an environmentally sound way is a win-win for all of us.”

“We support this pipeline project 100% and think this is a wise use of fishing license funds,” said Bill Rose, President of the Western Massachusetts Fly Fishermen. “It’s good for the trout and it looks like a great solution to the problem of varying water temperatures and the constant need to clear river debris from pump station intake screens.”

Funding for the $4.4 million project includes $2.2 million in state environmental bond funds, approximately $1 million from MWRA bonds, $700,000 from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and the Department of Energy Resources’ Leading by Example Program, and $500,000 from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s (MassWildlife) Inland Fish and Game Fund.  MWRA awarded a contract to Waterline Industries Corporation to build the pipeline and the hydropower project.

CAPAC Disappointed by Supreme Court Decision in US v. Texas

CAPAC Disappointed by Supreme Court Decision in US v. Texas

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court released a 4-4 decision in United States v. Texas, the legal challenge to President Obama’s Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) and expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programs. The deadlock ruling upholds an injunction by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to block the implementation of these programs. However, the ruling does not affect the original DACA program launched in June 2012. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“I am extremely disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision to deny temporary relief to millions of immigrant families, including hundreds of thousands of Asians and Pacific Islanders who will continue to live in constant fear of being separated from their loved ones. Our country benefits greatly from the contributions of aspiring Americans who work, go to school, start businesses, volunteer, and are integrally woven into the fabric of our society. And yet, because of our broken immigration system, millions are forced to live in fear that any day, parents could be separated from their children, or children could be deported to a country they’ve never known. That is why President Obama’s executive actions were so necessary in the wake of Congressional inaction to pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation.

“Despite today’s setback, the fight is not over. I remain confident that this case will come before the Supreme Court again. And as Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I will continue to fight until we achieve a permanent solution through comprehensive immigration reform.”

Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI):

“In 2014, President Obama gave hope to millions of workers and families by expanding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) which has helped over 700,000 people come out of the shadows since its creation in 2012, and establishing the Deferred Action for Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program. Last year, a federal court challenge led by Texas halted these programs and today the lives of up to five million people remain on hold as the Supreme Court deadlocked and was unable to resolve the situation.

“Deadlock at the Court, and deadlock in Congress, are denying hope and opportunity to millions of people. This is not how our government is supposed to work. I will continue speaking out and fighting as hard as I can to give those people in the shadows hope, and to see that the Supreme Court be returned to full strength, and that Congress finally pass real, comprehensive immigration reform legislation.”

Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Immigration Task Force Chair:

“I am disappointed that the tie in the Court leaves millions of families under constant threat of being forcibly broken up and young residents facing deportation from the only homes they have ever known. I am hopeful that the President’s actions will eventually be upheld, letting millions of our immigrant friends and neighbors come out of the dark and become full members of our society. Meanwhile, I will continue to urge the Administration to stop tearing families apart and to fight in Congress for comprehensive immigration reform. This is the right thing for us to do for our nation’s economy and to uphold our American values."

Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Whip:

“I am deeply disappointed in today’s 4-4 ruling from the Supreme Court in the case of U.S. v. Texas. This deadlock means that millions of families will continue to live with the constant fear and threat of being separated through deportation. President Obama’s plan to expand DACA and create DAPA would bring millions out of the shadows, strengthening our communities, our economy, and our nation. We cannot and will not stop fighting to fix our broken immigration system.”

Congressman Ami Bera (CA-07):

“I’m very disappointed that the Supreme Court struck down the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals expansions (DACA+) program, both of which reflect common-sense immigration laws.  There’s no doubt that the United States needs an immigration policy that makes our country safe and our economy strong. Now more than ever, Democrats and Republicans must work together to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill that secures our borders, allows our economy to grow, and ensures accountability for new American immigrants. I will continue to work with all levels of government in any way I can to achieve a bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill that addresses the immigration issues we face.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

“The 4-4 decision from the Supreme Court today in U.S. v Texas is a disappointing outcome that will tear more families apart. The 4 million people living in limbo deserve better from our judicial system. Now more than ever, Congress must act on comprehensive immigration reform! We owe these families a humane, permanent solution so they can stay together in the country they call home.”

Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33):

“I am deeply disappointed in the Supreme Court’s 4-4 deadlock decision on President Obama’s executive actions on immigration. DACA and DAPA are common sense steps towards fixing our broken immigration system. We cannot continue to tear families apart and spew hateful anti-immigrant rhetoric. America has met great challenges in the past, and it is time we work together to protect our borders, take action to effectively address the status of millions of undocumented immigrants, and continue to nurture the spirit of inclusiveness that makes our nation the greatest in the world.”

Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06):

“Today’s split Supreme Court decision on immigration is a setback for millions of families trying to live with dignity and without fear. Despite today’s outcome, we will move forward, and remain committed to fighting for hardworking families and the daily contributions they make to our great nation.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06):

“The Supreme Court’s deadlock is a blow to millions of undocumented immigrants who will now be forced to remain in the shadows, and it’s a setback in our efforts to achieve any type of meaningful immigration reform. I am very concerned about the impact this will have on families staying together, and the fear that many hard working immigrants will experience about deportation. I believe that President Obama acted within his authority and I applaud him for taking action. The deadlock highlights the need to fill the Supreme Court’s vacancy, and I renew my call for Senate GOP leaders to hold a vote on Merrick Garland. Despite this disappointing news, our fight is far from over. We will continue to push ahead – regardless of how long it takes – until we finally fix our broken immigration system.”

Congressman Mark Takai (HI-01):

“Today’s decision is step back for immigrant families across the nation. We should be helping families stay together, not tearing them apart. Not only does this decision force millions of families to live with continued uncertainty, it also illustrates the importance of having 9 Justices on the Supreme Court. This tie shows exactly why we need a full bench; Americans deserve better.”

Congressman Raul Grijalva (AZ-03):

“Today’s 4-4 Supreme Court ruling allows a flawed injunction against the expansion of DACA and DAPA to stand, leaving vulnerable people all across the country to continue suffering under an immigration system that splinters families and betrays our values. The silver lining is that a 4-4 tie is not precedent setting, and I hope that the Court revisits this vital issue with the urgency it deserves. But this does emphasize why the Republican refusal to confirm a ninth Supreme Court justice is so toxic to our legal system and our society. We are a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws, and both of those facts are betrayed by a political party that undermines the integrity of our highest court and attacks our president’s legal efforts to help aspiring Americans. I appreciate President Obama’s efforts to act where Republicans wouldn’t, but in light of this ruling, he must redouble his efforts to ensure innocent families do not continue to suffer. I will continue to work with this administration and the next to create a common sense immigration process once and for all.”

Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47):

“Today’s Supreme Court announcement is a disappointment to the millions of families across our country living in uncertainty and fear of being separated.  I will not let this setback weaken my commitment to advocating for comprehensive immigration reform that keeps families together and fixes our broken immigration system.”

Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32):

“We are extremely disappointed the Supreme Court has been tainted by politics as usual, thanks to the overreach by one district court judge and the partisan obstruction of Republicans in Congress. The Court has failed the American people, and our communities will continue to suffer as a result. This illustrates exactly what is at stake when politicians play games with the nation’s highest court and why the Supreme Court vacancy must be filled. It is critical to note that today’s erroneous outcome does not impact DACA 2012, which was not at issue in this case. My Democratic colleagues and I remain committed to building on that progress we have made, embracing the contributions of more than 730,000 young DREAMers. Today’s setback is heartbreaking, but it will not deter us from fighting to ensure all immigrants can live in dignity, without fear of being separated from their families.”

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09):

“I am deeply disappointed with the Supreme Court’s ruling today resulting in a deadlock decision on the President’s executive actions on immigration. Millions of U.S. citizens with undocumented parents and DREAMers will now face uncertainty in their future and may see their families torn apart. Failure on the part of Republican leadership is what forced the President to act. I call on Congress to take action and pass a permanent comprehensive immigration bill and reform our broken system. We cannot afford to wait any longer to reform our immigration system and bring relief to millions of children and families.”

Background:

On November 20, 2014, President Obama announced a series of executive orders that would defer deportation for approximately 4.7 million aspiring Americans living in the U.S. The largest initiatives included an expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the creation of a new Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program. The expanded DACA program extends DACA eligibility to those who entered the U.S. before the age of 16, regardless of their current age, and who have lived in U.S. continuously since January 1, 2010. The DAPA program allows parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to request deferred action and employment authorization for three years, provided they have lived in the U.S .continuously since January 1, 2010, and pass required background checks. Those programs were halted by an injunction that was upheld by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in May of 2015.

Leading up to the President’s executive actions, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) met with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson, DHS Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and senior White House aides, Cecilia Munoz and Neil Eggleston, to discuss the need to prioritize family unity in immigration reform. A copy of CAPAC’s executive action recommendations to Secretary Jeh Johnson can be found here.

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Boston Public Schools Complete Safe Routes to School Campaign for the 2015-2016 School Year

Boston Public Schools Complete Safe Routes to School Campaign for the 2015-2016 School Year

Boston, Ma. - Friday, June 24, 2016 - Boston Public Schools (BPS) today announced the completion of this year's Safe Routes to School (SRTS) campaign, which officially launched in June 2015 to increase safety and promote healthy behaviors among students during their morning and evening commutes to and from school via public transportation and pathways. "Safe Routes to School provides our families with insight on the safest ways to commute to school," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "Safety is our number one priority, and are doing everything we can to ensure our students arrive at their classrooms safely and ready to learn." Last year, BPS partnered with the Boston Public Health Commission to support the SRTS initiative in an effort to increase the number of students in grades K-8 who regularly walk, bike, or take the MBTA to school. "Any effort that aims to keep our students active and safe has the support of the Committee," said Boston School Committee Chairman Michael O'Neill. "It is our hope that many of the students felt empowered through this process, and will continue to utilize the skills learned in the past year." Additionally, the SRTS initiative aims to improve students' health and well-being. Most children and youth do not meet the national recommendations of 60 minutes of daily physical activity, which supports positive academic results for students. "To provide our students with the very best education, we have to ensure that we are supporting initiatives that support healthy environments," said Superintendent Tommy Chang. "Safe Routes to Schools is creating a healthy school climate for our students, which is crucial when we are looking to produce strong students, both in and outside of the classroom." The David A. Ellis Elementary School in Roxbury participated in the last scheduled walk on Friday, June 17. "The Mather's Spring Walk to School Day was a great success," said Principal Rochelle Nwosu of the Mather Elementary School. "It's important for our students to practice active and safe transportation in our community. We know that active bodies support active minds, so we encourage movement throughout our day." Seventeen schools have participated in the walk initiative. SRTS is currently serving the following schools: Bates Elementary School Bradley Elementary School Condon Elementary School Ellis Elementary School Guild Elementary School Haley K-8 School Harvard/Kent Elementary Haynes Early Education Center Holmes Elementary Kilmer Upper and Lower Schools Lyndon K-8 School Mather Elementary School Mattahunt Elementary Quincy Elementary School Russell Elementary School     UP Academy Dorchester Winship Elementary School For more information, visit the following link: http://www.bostonpublicschools.org/Page/5895.

CITY OF BOSTON WILL HOST EVENT TO OFFER FREE LEGAL SERVICE TO COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY U.S. SUPREME COURT RULING ON DAPA AND EXPANDED DACA

CITY OF BOSTON WILL HOST EVENT TO OFFER FREE LEGAL SERVICE TO COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY U.S. SUPREME COURT RULING ON DAPA AND EXPANDED DACA

BOSTON - Thursday, June 23, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced a free immigration legal consultation event will be held on July 23, 2016 at Madison Park High School in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling to uphold the preliminary injunction that continues to prevent the implementation of the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) and the expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) executive actions on immigration, announced in November 2014. "I am disappointed that the preliminary injunction preventing the implementation of the executive actions on immigration known as DAPA and expanded DACA remains in place," said Mayor Walsh. "Millions of families in the United States and thousands of Bostonians have been waiting too long for some form of immigration relief. My Office for Immigrant Advancement is working with community organizations to hold a clinic in July to educate affected individuals and to determine eligibility for other forms of immigration relief." "We are disappointed that the Supreme Court's ruling continues to prevent DAPA and expanded DACA from being implemented," said Alejandra St. Guillen, Director of the Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement. "Through our DACA/DAPA Outreach and Education Initiative, we are coordinating with community partners to make sure that our residents are well-informed and to prevent immigration scams. We will continue to support those who are eligible for the original version of DACA announced in 2012 to submit their applications and renewals." The free immigration legal consultation event will be held at Madison Park High School in Roxbury from 10AM to 4PM on Saturday, July 23rd. Interested individuals should call (617) 635-0008 for an appointment. Because the preliminary injunction remains in effect, applications for DAPA and expanded DACA are not available. However, applications and renewals for the original version of DACA, announced in 2012, continue to be available. Since DAPA and expanded DACA were announced, the City of Boston under Mayor Walsh's leadership has taken steps to offer information and resources to members of the immigrant community. In April, Mayor Walsh launched Immigrant Information Corners to provide information about resources and services available to help advance the well-being of the city's immigrant residents. The Immigrant Information Corners are located at the Boston Public Library's Central Library in Copley Square and 24 neighborhood branches. The launch of the Immigrant Information Corners is the result of a letter of agreement signed by Mayor Walsh and Leon Rodriguez, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), in June 2015 to promote citizenship in Boston by providing materials on the naturalization process, warning residents about scams, and highlighting the benefits and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. In March 2016, Mayor Walsh joined 117 mayors, county executives, and local governments, as well as the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities in submitting an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the executive actions on immigration in United States v. Texas, the lawsuit that led to the preliminary injunction preventing the implementation of expanded DACA and DAPA. To learn more about the Office for Immigrant Advancement, click here.

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $10 Million for Sewer System Improvements in Worcester and Shrewsbury

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $10 Million for Sewer System Improvements in Worcester and Shrewsbury

Sewer Work Along Route 20 Will Better Protect the Environment, Spur Area Economic Development

WORCESTER – June 24, 2016 – Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito and Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton today announced $10 million to the City of Worcester to support an infrastructure project that will reconstruct the Whitla Drive sewer pumping station and expand the capacity of the sewer system in the Route 20 corridor in Worcester and Shrewsbury. The announcement was made during an event at the Belsito Auto Center on Route 20 in Worcester.

“The Route 20 Sewer Extension Project will increase sewer capacity in an under-developed area, which will attract economic development to the Route 20 corridor and protect public health and natural resources,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our administration is committed to helping communities invest in their infrastructure to create jobs and ensure public safety.”

 “This important infrastructure project will provide significant economic benefits to the Worcester area, as well as environmental benefits which cannot be measured in terms of dollars and cents,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “We are proud to be able to work together with our local partners to protect the environment and encourage commercial and industrial development in one the of the Commonwealth’s great cities.”

The City of Worcester will receive $3.5 million this year and $3.5 million next year from the Environmental Bond Bill as well as a one-time installment of $3 million from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The City will match those funds with $10 million in order to re-route, extend and expand the capacity of the limited sewer system currently serving the Route 20 area.

 “Old, failing pipes present a problem when they leak and contaminate areas that should remain clean and open to the public,” said EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton. “This project will allow us to protect our beautiful natural resources by rectifying the threat of sewage overflowing into Lake Quinsigamond and the Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.”

“MassDOT is pleased to have helped fund critically-needed infrastructure improvements along the Route 20 corridor,” said MassDOT Secretary & CEO Stephanie Pollack. “This project underscores the benefits of the collaborative approach the administration has taken when investing in transportation and economic development opportunities throughout the Commonwealth.”

The Route 20 Sewer Extension Project will provide sewer service to the area between Massasoit and Sunderland roads by adding 19,300 feet of collector sewers and 11,500 feet of dual 16-inch force mains, and will include a new connection to the Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District treatment facility in Millbury. It will also combine the existing sewer system with the new “single” system to make it more efficient, and eliminate two old pumping stations and aging cast-iron force mains within the Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.

Reconstruction will allow the Whitla Drive pump station to handle existing and projected future flows from the Broad Meadow Brook and Grafton Street pump stations, as well as additional flows from the Route 20 corridor.

“This project has the rare distinction of bringing both huge economic and environmental benefits to the city of Worcester and the region,” said City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. “Thank you to the Baker-Polito Administration for once again demonstrating its commitment to our city and its economic wellbeing.”

“The investment in the Route 20 Sewer Infrastructure Improvements will have significant impacts stretching beyond the city of Worcester, and I am pleased that the Baker-Polito Administration has identified the expansion of sewer services into this underdeveloped area as a priority,” said State Representative Hannah E. Kane (R-Shrewsbury). “The expansion will allow for continued collaboration between the City of Worcester and the Town of Shrewsbury, making the development of properties along the Route 20 corridor in both municipalities a possibility.  This investment will spur economic development in Shrewsbury in an area that is partially zoned for business and limited industrial development while addressing the environmental concern of sewage overflow into Lake Quinsigamond and Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.”

“This project offers exciting new opportunities to enhance the economic vibrancy of the City of Worcester and the surrounding area,” said State Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury).  “The anticipated environmental and economic impacts will surely benefit our region.  I appreciate the hard work and efforts of local and state officials, the Administration, and everyone involved with helping to bring this initiative to fruition.”

“I want to thank the Baker-Polito Administration for the authorization of these crucial funds needed to make the Route 20 Sewer Project a reality,” said State Representative Daniel Donahue (D-Worcester). “The need for sewer access in this area has long been discussed and today's announcement highlights how close partnership between our local government, legislative bodies and state executive offices can bring about effective solutions for our communities.  This project will bring immense operational and environmental benefits to Worcester, and will open up an entire section of the City ripe for major economic development opportunities.”

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Grant for Renovation of Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Grant for Renovation of Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial

WORCESTER – June 23, 2016 – Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito and Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton today announced a grant of $200,000 toward the renovation of the Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Worcester. 

“Honoring all Massachusetts’ veterans and providing our veterans the services and opportunities they need to succeed and live long, healthy lives is of utmost importance to our administration,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The renovation to the Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial will ensure that the site where we pay homage to the service and sacrifice of our veterans remains in pristine condition.”

“Men and women from across Massachusetts bravely served our country in Vietnam, and thousands paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Recognizing their service is important to this administration, and we are pleased to be able to announce funding to restore this memorial as a tribute to our veterans.”

The grant to the City of Worcester will fund critical infrastructure improvements to the Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial located in Green Hill Park in Worcester.  The renovation will include pond-edge repairs and enhancements, drainage improvements, lighting and electrical upgrades, reconstruction of the Memorial retaining wall and improved handicap accessibility.

“We are proud to provide funds through our Gateway City Parks Program to help restore and improve access to this important tribute to those who served in Vietnam,” said EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton.  “Green Hill Park is a wonderful place for the Memorial– a peaceful, beautiful setting in which to recognize the sacrifices they made on behalf of our nation.”

“The restoration of this monument signifies the Commonwealth’s commitment to never forget the sacrifice these individuals have made,” said Secretary of Veterans’ Services Francisco Ureña. “Our hope is that the family members and loved ones of these brave individuals take solace and comfort in the knowledge that these individuals will forever be remembered.”

The Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial, dedicated in June 2002, is situated on four acres and includes a pond, and walking paths. The Memorial contains three sections, the Place of Flags, Place of Words, and Place of Names, and is intended to be a dignified, quiet, natural location for reflection and learning.

The grant, funded through the Environmental Bond Bill, is awarded through EEA’s Gateway City Parks Program. The program funds the creation or restoration of significant urban parks and trails in the 26 Gateway Cities. 

“It’s a privilege to have the statewide Vietnam Veterans Memorial here in Worcester,” said State Senate Majority Leader Harriette L. Chandler (D-Worcester).  “I thank the Administration for their support as well as the support that the Worcester Delegation has received in securing funding in the Legislature.  It’s our goal to continue maintenance of the statewide memorial to ensure that it does justice to the brave men and women it honors.”

“The Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial holds a very special place in the hearts and souls of many Vietnam Veterans, not only in Worcester County, but throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” said State Representative James O’Day (D-West Boylston). “Every Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day hundreds of veterans, family and friends come to the memorial to pay their respects to those who served valiantly during the war and those who paid the supreme sacrifice. The awarding of this Gateway City Parks grant will ensure that those who sacrificed so much will never be forgotten. I would like to applaud the Legislature and the Baker Administration for seeing to it that the Vietnam Memorial continues to be a memorial that we can all be proud of.”

“Worcester is a place that values and honors its veterans, and this year we’ve put a significant effort into making sure our public spaces reflect that, with a recently constructed new World War II Memorial and soon-to-be rededicated restored Civil War Monument,” said City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. “Worcester is extremely proud to be home of the state’s Vietnam Memorial, and we’re grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration for providing funds that will ensure it remains a fitting tribute to those across the Commonwealth who served.”

Governor Baker Names Former State Legislator Michael Knapik Director of Western Massachusetts Office

Governor Baker Names Former State Legislator Michael Knapik Director of Western Massachusetts Office

SPRINGFIELD – In a visit to the Governor’s Western Massachusetts Office in Springfield today, Governor Charlie Baker introduced Michael Knapik, a former state senator and state representative from Westfield, as the office’s new Director. Knapik will be a primary liaison between the administration and constituents and communities in Western Massachusetts effective July 5, 2016.

“With more than two decades of experience representing Western Massachusetts constituents, Mike is exceptionally qualified to lead our Springfield Office,” said Governor Baker. “Operating the office is one of the many essential tools we use to maintain an important relationship with the people, local leaders and municipalities of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden Counties.”

“Mike will be an asset to both the administration and those serviced by the Springfield Office,”  said Lieutenant Governor Polito. “I look forward to working closely with him in his new role to continue building upon the strong relationships our administration has cultivated in the western part of the state.”

“I am excited to join the Baker-Polito Administration and begin working with people across Western Massachusetts again,” said Mike Knapik. “Western Massachusetts has a lot to offer and I look forward to playing an active role in our communities and the overall conversation with the rest of Massachusetts on behalf of the administration.”