東西相遇風箏節今日( 8/25)舉行

CITY OFFICIALS CELEBRATE NEW TACTICAL PLAZA IN DOWNTOWN BOSTON

CITY OFFICIALS CELEBRATE NEW TACTICAL PLAZA IN DOWNTOWN BOSTON

Tactical plaza at Franklin Street, Downtown Boston (Photo courtesy of MP Boston) BOSTON - Friday, August 24, 2018 - City officials today joined community members and partners to celebrate the opening of Tontine Crescent plaza, a new streetscape intervention on Franklin Street in Downtown Boston that includes a large pedestrian plaza with plantings and seating; a protected bicycle lane; and a motor vehicle lane that responds to the character and needs of the street. The new tactical plaza reimagines an 18th century Charles Bulfinch designed urban park that had been converted over time to roadway space to accommodate automobiles. This initiative is one of several the City is undertaking to improve the public realm in different neighborhoods throughout the city. "I am excited to activate this space in downtown Boston and show the possibilities for redesigning streetscapes for the benefit of all modes of travel," said Mayor Walsh. "Reclaiming the Tontine Crescent plaza and turning it into an area where people can travel safely, and enjoy the city surrounding them is what we strive to accomplish in our Go Boston 2030 mobility plan, and I am thrilled that it is now available for everyone to use." In partnership with the community, the Boston Transportation Department (BTD) redesigned the underutilized roadway between Arch and Hawley Streets to better serve all users of Franklin Street. The project highlights how to reclaim surplus roadway space for more people-friendly purposes. Improving the public realm was identified as a top priority of Boston residents and others who participated in the public engagement process for Go Boston 2030, the City's transportation plan. "Our streets and sidewalks are not just our paths to and from school or work, they are also our front stoops and our neighborhood gathering spaces," said Chief of Streets Chris Osgood.  "These projects highlight how our streets can celebrate our neighborhoods and bring our City together, and the projects we are celebrating today are just the beginning." "The implementation of tactical public realm improvements is well underway in Boston," said Boston Transportation Commissioner Gina N. Fiandaca. "In addition to the Tontine Crescent project, street murals have been painted in Allston, a parklet has been created on Newbury Street, and designs are underway for the installation of a tactical plaza in Chinatown, as well as for murals and a parklet in Egleston Square on the Roxbury/Jamaica Plain line. We look forward to working with residents and others to bring additional public realm improvements to neighborhoods throughout the City." The Downtown Boston Business Improvement District (BID) worked with the BTD on the implementation of the Tontine Crescent plaza, assisting with community outreach and maintenance. After a year of outreach, the designers used easy-to-install measures such as flex posts and paint to reshape the space. The plaza will be in its temporary form for a few years to evaluate its use and impacts. Millenium Partners Boston funded its design and installation.   "The Tontine Crescent plaza is a creative, practical and innovative addition to Downtown Boston's public realm," said BID President & CEO Rosemarie Sansone. "This new public space reflects a collaborative effort through a yearlong planning process that engaged property owners, area businesses, and was facilitated by MP Boston, the Boston Transportation Department and the Downtown Boston BID. The feedback has been extremely positive, and we look forward to overseeing the daily operation of this vibrant community amenity." "As a physical therapist on Franklin Street for 29 years, I have always promoted the wonderful benefits of exercise," said Jake Kennedy of Kennedy Brothers Physical Therapy. "Now, to see this historic street open itself up to bikers and walkers makes me so happy.  Every time we make a section of the city healthier, Boston wins." Other projects to improve the City's public realm include: A new pop-up park for Chinatown at Phillips Square The Phillips Square tactical plaza is a reclaiming of an overly-wide street in Chinatown, that will create a new iconic entrance to the neighborhood when it is installed later this year. The design converts a section of Harrison Avenue between Essex and Beach Streets into a temporary plaza using paint, plants, and benches adjacent to parking and lanes for bicycles and cars. It is supported by partnerships with Chinatown Main Streets and Cresset Harrison LLC.   New community spaces for Roxbury-Jamaica Plain, Allston, East Boston, and the Back Bay Two parking spaces have been converted into outdoor "parklet" seating on Newbury Street in tandem with its Open Streets events, and a similar parklet is being designed for Egleston Square near the Washington Street - Boylston Street intersection in partnership with the Egleston Square Main Street local-merchant group. East Boston will see an outdoor cafe at the triangle plaza along Meridian Street at London Street sponsored by the Meridian Food Market, and Sammy Carlo's Delicatessen will maintain the public outdoor cafe at Bennington and Moore Streets. Building on the success of newly installed street murals in Allston and Roslindale Square, a new mural designed in collaboration with residents will be installed in Egleston Square as well. A Better City's Wicked Streets placemaking program supports the parklet in Egleston Square and outdoor cafes in East Boston.   Street mural on Franklin Street in Allston (Photo courtesy of Galen Mook) About Go Boston 2030 Go Boston 2030 is the City of Boston's long term mobility plan. It envisions a city in a region where all residents have better and more equitable travel choices, where efficient transportation networks foster economic opportunity, and where steps have been taken to prepare for climate change. Whether raveling by transit, on foot, on a bike or by car, people will be able to access all parts of Boston safely and reliably. A list of projects and policies have been developed that are being implemented as early action projects in the near term, and a set of long term projects and policies are intended to be implemented over the next 15 years.

HEALTH OFFICIALS ANNOUNCE FIRST HUMAN CASE OF WEST NILE VIRUS IN BOSTON

HEALTH OFFICIALS ANNOUNCE FIRST HUMAN CASE OF WEST NILE VIRUS IN BOSTON

Residents urged to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites

BOSTON – Friday, August 24, 2018 – The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) today announced that the first case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed in a Boston resident this year. The patient, in her 50s, was hospitalized and has since been discharged home. Although mosquito pools throughout the City have tested positive for West Nile Virus, it is not known whether this patient acquired the infection in Boston. The investigation is ongoing. This is Boston's first confirmed human case of West Nile Virus this year, and the third confirmed in Massachusetts. On Tuesday, August 21, 2018, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health raised the risk level for West Nile Virus from low to moderate throughout the State. In 2017, there were no human cases of West Nile Virus infection diagnosed in Boston residents. West Nile Virus is most commonly transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, and poses greater health risks to the elderly and those with pre-existing medical problems. Though temperatures are beginning to drop, West Nile Virus remains a threat until at least the first hard frost. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatments for West Nile Virus infection. The most effective way to avoid West Nile Virus is to take measures to prevent mosquito bites. Residents who are participating in evening outdoor events should take precautions to minimize the risk of a mosquito bite.The City of Boston, in partnership with the Suffolk County Mosquito Control Project, has placed larvicide in catch basins in the city, a process designed to reduce the adult mosquito population. Avoid Mosquito Bites Apply insect repellent when outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)], or IR3535 according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Be aware of peak mosquito hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitos. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. Wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitos away from your skin.   Protect Your Animals Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent West Nile Virus and Eastern equine encephalitis.   Mosquito-Proof Your Home Drain standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs near standing water. Once a week drain or discard items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in bird baths frequently. Install or repair screens. Keep mosquitos outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outside. Use air conditioning when available.   More information on West Nile Virus is available in multiple languages at www.bphc.org/mbi or at (617) 534-5611.

Governor Baker Tours 99Degrees Custom Advanced Manufacturing Site

Governor Baker Tours 99Degrees Custom Advanced Manufacturing Site

Visit to 99Degrees Custom highlights Massachusetts’ advanced manufacturing sector and impact of tax incentives on business growth in Commonwealth

Download a high-resolution version of this photo.

View additional photos from the visit.

LAWRENCE – Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera joined 99Degrees Custom founder and CEO, Brenna Nan Schneider for a tour of the manufacturing facility. 99Degrees Custom produces functional active wear for emerging and global brands. In April, the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council approved a $2.8 million tax credit award through the Economic Development Incentive Program. The tax credit award will help support the company’s continued growth and plan to hire more than 300 new employees, and leverages a private investment of $4 million for the purchase of new, state-of-the-art equipment.

“The M2I2 program provides an incredible opportunity for our administration to support and develop innovation across the Commonwealth, solidifying Massachusetts’ place as a national leader in advanced manufacturing,” said Governor Charlie Baker.“We are proud to support the expansion of 99Degrees Custom and will continue to back businesses and job creators who drive their regional economies and create opportunities for Massachusetts residents.”

“Our administration remains committed to helping businesses grow and create new jobs in every region of the Commonwealth,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “The Economic Development Incentive Program is an important resource for businesses of all sizes, and we are proud of 99Degrees Custom and their growth.”

"No entrepreneur builds a business alone. I fully recognize how lucky I am to build 99Degrees in Massachusetts. In Lawrence, I have found a dream workforce and an inspiring mill space,” said Brenna Nan Schneider, Founder & CEO, 99Degrees Custom.“The Baker-Polito Administration has prioritized manufacturing growth and has made the state a destination for wearable technology innovation. With the State's leadership and support, Massachusetts is the perfect place to transform an age old industry into a new model of domestic apparel manufacturing. Our plan is to employ 350 people in Lawrence by 2022 in jobs that represent the future of the innovation economy."

99 DEGREES: 

Founded in 2013, the company currently employs more than 70 people and is on track to increase their workforce to 100 by the end of the year. 99Degrees Custom is currently operating from 17,000 square-foot space in the Everett Mills in Lawrence. 99Degrees Custom is a demand-driven, performance active wear manufacturing company with lean process, a team committed to continuous improvement, and production lines engineered for agility. They work on the cutting edge of sew free and wearable technology integration as well as on-demand and mass customization manufacturing.

Brenna Nan Schneider and 99Degrees Custom have received the MIT Inclusive Innovation Competition (Humans + Machines) top prize, MassChallenge's $100k Diamond Prize, and EforAll Lowell/Lawrence top prize. Additionally, after receiving an award from the Advanced Functional Fabrics of America, they are growing a wearable technology incubation and production business.

紐英崙至孝篤親慶中秋頒獎學金 賀元老陳毓璇89歲生日

紐英崙至孝篤親公所頒發獎學金給18名大學生。(周菊子攝)

獎學金得主合影。(周菊子攝)

                            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)紐英崙至孝篤親公所8月19日晚舉行年會，慶祝中秋節，頒發獎學金鼓勵18名優秀宗親子弟，600多名出席宗親們還一起為生日剛好就是8月19日，今年89歲的公所元老陳毓璇慶生，場面十分溫馨。

紐英崙至孝篤親公所主席陳文珊(左一)，副主席陳文棟(右一)和五名
元老，右起，陳家驊，陳毓禮，陳毓璇，陳仕維，陳建立上台祝賀
宗親中秋快樂。(周菊子攝)

             年會部分由陳黃海蘭擔任司儀，主席陳文珊，副主席陳文棟先後以英文、中文報告會務，說明過去一年來，至孝篤親公所為宗親舉辦的活動，包括慶祝新年的春宴有逾千宗親出席，嘉賓包括麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)，聯邦參議員伊莉莎白‧沃倫(Elizabeth Warren)，聯邦眾議員卡普阿諾(Mike Capuano)等聯邦、州，市政要，以及來自紐約，芝加哥的宗親與安良工商會代表。
                  在春宴中，至孝篤親公所還封”利是”給中華廣教學校、中華僑立學校、中華耆英會和中華頤養院，亞裔青年協會(YES)等社會服務機構，感謝它們照顧華人社區，也捐款賑濟台灣花蓮災民。公所的婦女部還為宗親們辦健康講座，公所自己也包了兩輛大巴士，率領160多名宗親遠遊緬因州。

             頒發獎學金部分，由獎學金委員會主委陳余寶愛主持，今年共有18名大學生宗親子弟獲得每人1000元的獎學金。他們將分別入讀麻省理工學院，耶魯，波士頓，塔芙茨等知名大學。

            至孝篤親公所頒發獎學金已有11年，迄今共發出大約12萬美元給近百名學業成績優秀，平均分3.5以上的宗親子弟。有出席者透露，宗親子弟們太過優秀，曾經有一年，公所還得把獲得獎學金的條件，調整為平均分3.75。

             今年的得獎學生，還包括元老陳毓禮，前主席陳日華，陳禮等人的孫子女，宣讀得獎名單時，數度引得宗親們報以熱烈掌聲。

司儀陳黃海蘭(左)特別介紹這名獎學金得主是未來藝術家。右為至孝
篤親主席陳文珊。(周菊子攝)

             當晚中秋慶會的另一重點是慶祝陳毓璇89歲生日快樂。陳毓璇年已93歲的大姐阮陳金鳳，也與家人在座，也讓許多出席宗親想起陳金鳳，陳毓璇，陳毓禮這三姊弟，這些年來一直積極參與公共事務，包括華埠牌樓的興蓋，中華公所擁有的現址，華美福利會，華人醫務中心，中華頤養院等等機構的創辦，都有他們的貢獻。

前主席陳禮今年又有一名孫女獲得獎學金。(周菊子攝)

            陳毓禮當晚在會中還不忘提醒宗親，選舉又將來臨，符合資格者，請務必登記成為選民，並出席投票。       

             由陳、胡、袁三姓組成的至孝篤親公所，今年的獎學金得主包括陳天恩(BU)，陳軒宇(麻州藝術學院)，雷雅妍(UMass Amherst)，胡炳烽(Northeastern U)，陳城鋒(UMass Amherst)，梁曉鏵 (Bentley U.)，陳嘉曼(U of Vermont)，李嘉欣(Worcester Polytech)，陳婷鈿(U of Chicago)，陳嘉華(Brandies U)，胡君澤(Northeastern U)，陳明茵(Tufts U)，曾鈺銘(UMass Amherst)，陳世慈(Northeastern U)，陳樹信(Yale U)，陳卓思(MIT)，陳詠欣(UMass Boston)，陳雅慈(Fitchburg State U)。(圖片已於8/20發表)

紐英崙至孝篤親公所副主席陳文棟(右)的女兒也是今年的獎學金得主。
(周菊子攝)

至孝篤親元老陳毓禮(左)的孫女也是獎學金得主之一。(周菊子攝)

眾親友圍上前祝賀陳毓璇89歲大壽。(周菊子攝)

宗親們起哄，要壽星陳毓璇夫婦親一下。(周菊子攝)

紐英崙至孝篤親公所歷來首名女主席陳文珊(右)的父親陳天佐，早年
也曾任主席。他們倆人為至孝篤親公所留下傳承佳話。(周菊子攝)

1929年8月19日出生的陳毓璇(左)在愛妻黃景佩陪伴，宗親同堂中，
歡度89歲生日。(周菊子攝)

Mayor Walsh, Boston Public Schools Celebrate Opening of Dearborn STEM 6-12 Early College Academy

Mayor Walsh, Boston Public Schools Celebrate Opening of Dearborn STEM 6-12 Early College Academy

City of Boston, BPS Unveil Highly Modern Innovative Learning Facility to Community

BOSTON — Thursday, August 23, 2018 — Today, Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Boston Public Schools (BPS) celebrated the opening of the Dearborn STEM 6-12 Early College Academy, the first school in Boston intentionally designed and built for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning. This state-of-the-art,128,000-square-foot facility, located just outside of Dudley Square in Roxbury, features flexible indoor and outdoor learning spaces; two fabrication labs (also known as “fab labs”); numerous modern technology, including 3D printers and laser die cutters; a gymnasium; a dance studio; a media center; an abundance of natural light with views of the downtown Boston skyline from several classrooms; sophisticated green energy systems; and much more. The building was designed by the firm Jonathan Levi Architects of Boston and built by Gilbane, Inc. in partnership with Janey Construction Management. The design and construction of the project was managed by the City of Boston Public Facilities Department in collaboration with Daedalus Project Managers. “I am thrilled to open the Dearborn STEM Academy and continue the trend of new beginnings in the City of Boston,” said Mayor Walsh. “Students, teachers, and families are excited for all the possibilities the new year brings. And we, as a City, are making historic investments in our youth and our communities. I can’t wait to see this school grow, and know that Dearborn students are going to do remarkable things in their new home.” The Dearborn STEM Academy was built to serve 600 BPS students by 2020. Currently, 488 students are enrolled as the school begins to expand. “This magnificent school — and the powerful educational work that will happen within it — truly demonstrates to our students that the Boston Public Schools cares about them, and that we believe they have what it takes to succeed in the innovation economy,” said BPS Interim Superintendent Laura Perille. “Today’s celebration represents years of thoughtful collaboration with local and state government, and many community organizations and partners. I could not be more excited.” Currently operated by Boston Plan for Excellence (BPE), a nonprofit educational organization focused on schools in the Dudley Square neighborhood, the Dearborn STEM Academy is designed to bridge rigorous academics and career readiness, while leveraging Boston’s unique wealth of higher education and industry opportunities. “The opening of the new Dearborn STEM Academy shows our students that the possibilities are endless,” said Jesse Solomon, executive director of BPE. “In Boston, we live in one of the most thriving STEM economies in the country, and our students can literally see it from their classroom windows. This new building and our school's programs and design can help our students access Boston's many professional opportunities.” Francilliana Barbosa of Dorchester, an eleventh-grade student this year, spoke during the ceremony about the many opportunities she was provided as a student at Dearborn STEM, including her experience building her own toiletry organizer business through the BUILD entrepreneurship program, and an internship at Massachusetts General Hospital. “The Dearborn has provided many students, including myself, with opportunities that are productive, educational, and interactive,” Barbosa said. “I have grown so much because of my experiences at Dearborn. I am so grateful that we have this new building, which will help challenge us, and further our STEM education and 21st century skills.” The design of the new school is based upon the project-based learning curriculum. The academic spaces are organized by cohort, which includes educational classrooms, science laboratories, special education instructional space, and shared amenities. “Students, staff and community members will be in awe as they walk into this building,” said Boston School Committee Chairperson Michael Loconto. “This vibrant school is a space that will motivate and engage our students to contribute to the positive development of their communities and beyond.” Joshua Fidalgo, a Roxbury native who works as dean of students at the Dearborn, said the new building represents promise for his students. “This is not just a building, but an opportunity — an opportunity for students in a neighborhood that is all too often overlooked,” Fidalgo said. “These students work just as hard as anyone else, and have dreams just as big. This new, state-of-the-art STEM building shows them that they can do anything.” The $73 million facility was the first new school construction project in the Boston Public Schools in 15 years, and is seen as a model for future projects through the BuildBPS educational and facilities master plan. About $37 million of the total cost was reimbursed by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). Since 2014, Mayor Walsh and BPS have secured more than $110 million in MSBA funds to support new school buildings and facility renovations, which includes $30 million from the MSBA Accelerated Repair Program to fund for new boilers, windows, and roofs in school buildings across the City. The MSBA is the authority set up by the Commonwealth to help finance public school capital projects. However, despite Boston being the leading source of the sales taxes that fund the MSBA, and having the state's largest school district, Boston never drew in a significant way on MSBA funding before the Dearborn STEM Academy project began. The school is the result of an ongoing public-private partnership, with continued support from the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization, Roxbury Presbyterian Church, Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative, and a number of philanthropic and nonprofit partners. Located at 36 Winthrop Street in Roxbury, the new Dearborn STEM Academy is at the same location of the Henry Dearborn School, which was built in 1913 when it opened as the High School of Practical Arts. At the time, the school taught classes in cooking, laundry, sewing, nursing, and home economics for young women. The school was closed and re-opened in 1954 as Girls’ High School. It operated as Roxbury High School from 1974-1981; and it was designated the Henry Dearborn School in 1981. Since 2014, Dearborn STEM Academy has operated in a shared space with the Jeremiah E. Burke High School in Dorchester while the current building was under construction.

AG HEALEY: THE FINGERPRINTS OF THE COAL INDUSTRY ARE ALL OVER TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S REPLACEMENT FOR CLEAN POWER PLAN

AG HEALEY: THE FINGERPRINTS OF THE COAL INDUSTRY ARE ALL OVER TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S REPLACEMENT FOR CLEAN POWER PLAN

BOSTON – Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey today issued the following statement on the Trump Administration’s proposed new rule to roll back and repeal the Clean Power Plan – the landmark federal regulations that limit carbon pollution from power plants.

“The fingerprints of the coal industry are all over this plan. It’s written to enrich the fossil fuel industry by poisoning our air and our climate, and suffocate clean energy companies that are growing more competitive every day. The entire proposal deserves to be tossed in a recycling bin, but knowing the EPA’s current leadership, I’m sure they don’t have one.”  

President Barack Obama announced the Clean Power Plan in August 2015. After final regulations to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants were issued by the EPA, a group of state and industry petitioners challenged the Clean Power Plan in federal court. In November 2015, a coalition of 25 states, cities and counties intervened in defense of the Clean Power Plan against the challenge in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. 

The Clean Power Plan is the culmination of a decade-long effort to partner with states and cities to require mandatory cuts in the emissions of climate change pollution from fossil fuel-burning power plants under the Clean Air Act. The Clean Power Plan, along with a companion rule applicable to new, modified, and reconstructed power plants, would set limits on the amount of carbon pollution that power plants can emit. The Clean Power Plan’s emission limits for existing plants is expected to eliminate as much carbon pollution as is emitted by more than 160 million cars a year – or 70 percent of the nation’s passenger cars.

The Administration’s replacement proposal, the Affordable Clean Energy Rule, allows states to withdraw regulations to reduce emissions from power plants and is estimated to cut less than one-tenth of the emissions from the power sector than the Clean Power Plan was estimated to reduce.

AG Healey has long been an advocate of combatting climate change and expanding Massachusetts’ clean energy economy. For years, the Massachusetts AG’s Office has been a leader in pursuing federal regulation of greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, including leading a coalition of states, in coordination with numerous environmental groups, in Massachusetts v. EPA. Together with other state AGs, AG Healey insisted on a robust public process for the proposed repeal of the Clean Power Plan and is committed to fighting the repeal in court.

Governor Baker Signs Legislation Directing $2.4 Billion to Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental Protection, and Community Investments

Governor Baker Signs Legislation Directing $2.4 Billion to Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental Protection, and Community Investments

Law Will Continue the Baker-Polito Administration’s Leadership on Climate Change Resiliency and Environmental Stewardship

QUINCY – Governor Charlie Baker today ceremonially signed bipartisan legislation to authorize over $2.4 billion in capital allocations for investments in safeguarding residents, municipalities and businesses from the impacts of climate change, protecting environmental resources, and improving recreational opportunities. Consistent with the Baker-Polito Administration’s previously filed legislation, An Act Promoting Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental and Natural Resource Protection and Investment in Recreational Assets and Opportunity (H. 4835) enables critical environmental investments at the state and local levels and will put into law essential components of Governor Baker’s Executive Order 569 establishing an integrated strategy for climate change adaptation across the Commonwealth, including the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness grant program and the Statewide Hazard Mitigation and Adaptation Plan.

“Massachusetts is a national leader in addressing the threat of climate change and proactively preparing for its impacts, and I am proud to sign this bipartisan bill to build on those efforts,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The Commonwealth is now positioned to increase our resiliency to climate change, protect the environment, and improve recreational opportunities. We look forward to working with our legislative and local partners to build a cleaner and more sustainable Commonwealth.”

“Our Administration has made planning for the impacts of climate change a priority, and this legislation builds on our innovative efforts to collaborate with municipalities and stakeholders to address this challenge,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The strategic investments in this bill will allow us to continue our strong partnership with local communities to preserve our beautiful natural resources for generations to come and improve the quality of life for citizens in every corner of the Commonwealth.”

Recognizing the significant impact of climate change on coastal and inland communities, the legislation authorizes $501 million to respond to and prepare for extreme weather, sea level rise, inland flooding and other climate impacts:

• $290 million will be used to fund improvements and repairs to dams and seawalls and to implement diverse coastal resiliency strategies
• $75 million will provide planning and action grants to communities through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program
• $100 million will be invested in implementing the Commonwealth’s Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan.

Further expanding the Baker-Polito Administration’s Executive Order 569, the legislation codifies the commitments under the Executive Order, including issuance of, and ongoing updates to, an integrated, state-wide hazard mitigation and adaptation plan, continuation of the MVP program, and support for ongoing state agency climate change vulnerability assessments.

“The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to the improvement of our incredible portfolio of state land and recreational facilities, and is proud that this legislation will address deferred maintenance and recreational opportunities,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “Additionally, this legislation provides important protections to the Commonwealth’s historic and vital fishing and agricultural industries, while allowing us to better protect and conserve Massachusetts’ air, land, and water.”

Continuing the Baker-Polito Administration’s dedication to ensuring all Massachusetts residents have high-quality access to outdoor recreational opportunities, the legislation authorizes $665 million to enable investment in deferred maintenance and recreational resource stewardship across state government – including $25 million for the expansion and interconnection of trails through the MassTrails program and $400 million for Department of Conservation and Recreation recreational facilities across the Commonwealth. 

The legislation allocates $581 million to continue supporting communities around the Commonwealth and the environmental stewardship work they do, including:

• $405 million for community investment grant programs for municipalities, regional planning agencies and other eligible entities
• $35 million for tree planting and forest land protection programs 
• $55 million for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Complete Streets Program which provides funding to communities to provide safe and accessible options for all travel modes - walking, biking, transit and vehicles. 

The legislation also includes over $474 million to support environmental programs at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and other agencies ranging from air and water quality monitoring to hazardous waste cleanup and the restoration of rivers, wetlands, streams, and lakes. This includes an additional $60 million for the Commonwealth’s Clean Water Trust to continue its strong partnership with cities and towns in developing water infrastructure projects.

To protect the Commonwealth’s maritime industry, the legislation will allow the Department of Fish and Game to update decades-old fines and penalty schedules for marine fisheries violations, including doubling non-criminal fines and increasing criminal penalties. To ensure the continued viability of Massachusetts’ agricultural industry and protect family farms, the legislation reduces the estate tax on farmland in agricultural use for at least 10 years. 

“Through hard work and collaboration, I am proud that the House and Senate, along with Governor Baker’s administration, have passed a thorough and comprehensive environmental bond bill,” State Representative David Nangle (D-Lowell), House Chair of Environmental Bond Bill Conference Committee. “Included in the legislation are strong new policies and initiatives that will help protect our vital natural resources, as well as funding for dozens of projects throughout our state that will help our cities and towns maintain and grow our greenspaces, parks, and critical seacoast infrastructures.”

“I'm grateful for the Governor's support for this important legislation,” said State Senator William Brownsberger (D-Belmont), Senate Chair of Environmental Bond Bill Conference Committee. “I’m also grateful for the strong collaboration between the House and Senate in preparing the legislation.”

“An investment in our environment is an investment in our future, and I want to thank the Baker-Polito Administration for their leadership and support towards our Commonwealth’s environmental, agricultural and state climate adaptation programs,” said State Representative Smitty Pignatelli (D-Lenox), Chairman for the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture. “This legislation aims to impact every corner of the Commonwealth. Whether that be through coastal infrastructure, land protection conservation, or even hazardous waste management, we are ensuring that Massachusetts will remain at the forefront of creating strong, environmental policy.”

“As a member of the conference committee, I am proud to have worked with my colleagues in the State Legislature and the Baker-Polito Administration to pass legislation that will assist cities and towns in their work to protect the environment and enhance the Commonwealth’s recreational resources,” said State Senator Don Humason (R-Westfield). “In the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire district, this bill will provide essential resources to our local communities as they look to improve storm water management, maintain and improve parks and waterways, and make necessary repairs and enhancements to local bridges and bike paths.”

“The bond bill is a reflection of the varied environmental priorities throughout the state,” said State Senator Anne Gobi (D-Spencer), Senate Chair of Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture Committee. “Working with our farmers, foresters, and various environmental groups and individuals, it shows a strong commitment to the preservation and conservation of our natural resources.”

“Thank you to the Baker-Polito Administration for introducing this Environmental Bond Bill legislation that demonstrates why Massachusetts is a leader in environmental stewardship,” said State Representative Donald Berthiaume Jr. (R-Spencer). “This funding will continue the cooperation between state and local governments on these critical projects to preserve our resources for many years to come.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration continues its unprecedented commitment to cities and towns across the Commonwealth with the signing of this vital bipartisan legislation,” said Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch. “In Quincy, we know all too well just how vulnerable our coastal neighborhoods and infrastructure truly are, and this bill makes protecting those assets a major priority across the Commonwealth.”

“With the robust environmental bond signed into law, the Baker-Polito Administration and the Legislature have made a significant commitment to help the people of Massachusetts avoid the unmanageable and manage the unavoidable as we face the impacts of climate change,” said Steve Long, Director of Government Relations at the Nature Conservancy. “The Nature Conservancy applauds the bond and welcomes its emphasis on utilizing nature-based solutions—such things as reconnecting flood plains, restoring barrier beaches, and conserving additional forest land to naturally remove carbon pollution from the air. Nature-based solutions can enhance safety and avoid community costs by taking advantage of nature’s services.”