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.”

Boylston街48號有46個可負擔出租單位

On behalf of St. Francis House and the Planning Office for Urban Affairs, we are excited to share with you that the marketing period is beginning for the 46 units of

affordable housing located at 48 Boylston Street.  Please see the attached advertisement and flyer for more information,

and note that two information sessions are being held Monday and Tuesday of next week.

Please provide this information to your members/constituents, and as noted on the flyer/advertisement,

please direct all leasing and marketing questions to theunion@maloneyproperties.com, or call (781) 992-5320 TTY: 711.

We appreciate your support for the project over the years, and look forward to receiving applications from members of the Chinatown community.

紐英崙伍胥山公所夏日緬因遊

伍胥山公所宗親在Acadia國家公園前合影。(伍胥山公所提供)

                  (Boston Orange)紐英崙伍胥山公所一行47人，8月18，19兩日遠赴緬因州欣賞美景，體味歷史，享用龍蝦大餐，與宗親歡聚，又留下一次美好回憶。

伍鍾美貞組織這次的旅遊。

                紐英崙伍胥山公所每年夏天都為宗親們舉辦近程遠遊活動，今年由伍鍾美貞組織，全美伍胥山公所美東副總長伍煥華，紐英崙伍胥山公所主席伍輝民，伍樹俊帶隊，參加了時尚旅遊的緬因州美景兩日一夜遊。

               旅行社的行程安排是第一天下午抵達緬因州著名漁港Bar Harbor，接著進入Acadia國家公園，在公園的環繞路徑(loop road)上沿途欣賞大自然景觀，經過雷鳴湖(Thunder Hole)，看海浪衝擊岩洞的壯觀，再登上Cadilac山頂，俯瞰國家公園，感受開闊美麗。晚上享用龍蝦大餐後，次日前往波特蘭市(Portland)，漫步海濱走廊，參觀聞名世界的最古老電車博物館，再到Kennebunkport，倘佯在美國東北的出名小鎮中。

             宗親歡聚是伍胥山公所舉辦郊遊的主要目地，這趟出遊，他們有說有笑，分享見聞，為美東副總長小小慶生一番。導遊小強還為他們當了一下攝影評判。臨別，他們也沒忘記謝謝司機小斌的辛勞。

              其中一名宗親為誌記這次旅遊，還寫了篇遊記，描述沿途感受，謂嘆大自然景觀有如鬼斧神雕，可惜錯過了”雷鳴湖”的雷鳴時刻，稱讚五鼠島名符其實。那橫七八豎躺在地上，還生鏽了的破舊火車，都是1901年前的逾百歲文物，也讓他心生感慨的說，”不認識過去，就不知道現在，更不懂得未來”。

伍氏宗親們在國家公園Jordan Pond合影。

             

伍氏宗親乘坐老舊電車。(伍胥山公所提供)

享用龍蝦。(伍胥山公所提供)

伍氏宗親們出發前在華埠合影。(伍胥山公所提供)

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEXT STEP TOWARD IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEXT STEP TOWARD IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION

The move demonstrates the City's commitment to making renewable energy more accessible to Boston residents BOSTON - Tuesday, August 21, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the City of Boston will issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) on August 27 for submissions from consulting firms to assist the City's development, implementation, and administration, of a municipal electricity aggregation program. Submissions to the RFQ are due on October 10, 2018. "This is a big step toward rolling out Community Choice Aggregation because it will provide the expertise we need to get it done," said Mayor Walsh. "We still need to make smart decisions on how to shape a program that's best for Boston residents and can deliver on our commitment to clean energy." Community Choice Aggregation enables cities and towns to aggregate the buying power of individual electricity customers in their communities. Under a municipal aggregation program, cities and towns can automatically enroll residents who receive default electricity service from their utilities into a single, bulk buying group and may require a greater percentage of renewable energy content than the mandatory percentage set by the Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS).  "Community Choice Aggregation is an important contribution to reducing Boston's carbon emissions," said Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space Chris Cook. "We're excited to move ahead with the process and develop a program that can benefit the environment and most importantly our residents." The City is required to follow the steps toward a municipal aggregation as laid out by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER), working in consultation with DOER and the selected consultant to prepare a plan and provide an opportunity for citizen review. In addition, the City will convene a community advisory committee which will inform the proposed plan and guide implementation. Once the program is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, the City will be able to begin implementation of the program.  Earlier this year, the City's Environment Department issued a Request for Information (RFI) on how to develop and manage a municipal electricity aggregation program. The information obtained will continue to inform the development of the program. Mayor Walsh invested in the implementation of Community Choice Aggregation in the City's Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) budget.  ABOUT BOSTON'S CLIMATE INITIATIVES Boston is taking bold action on climate to become a carbon neutral, climate ready city as outlined in its updated Climate Action Plan. Boston's Climate Action Plan serves as Boston's roadmap for reaching its goals of reducing carbon emissions and preparing for the impacts of climate change. The goals are supported by Imagine Boston 2030, the first citywide plan in 50 years, that helps to ensure that climate plays a role in aspects of city planning. The city's current climate initiatives are laying the groundwork to advance its climate goals and to accelerate progress. Carbon Free Boston is analyzing the options and pathways to achieve deep decarbonization. The initiative is weighing the costs and benefits of technologies and policies across key action areas including electric power, buildings, transportation, and waste. As part of this effort, Zero Waste Boston is exploring pathways to turn Boston into a zero waste city through planning, policy, and community engagement. Climate Ready Boston is strengthening Boston's climate change resilience with near- and long-term planning. It is actively advancing Boston's vision of a resilient city through a comprehensive citywide vulnerability study, a community outreach program, and neighborhood-level implementation projects, including the installation of a flood wall in one of Boston's most flood-prone neighborhood. Earlier this summer, Mayor Walsh hosted the International Mayors Climate Summit in Boston for mayors from across the country and around the world to discuss actions taken by cities to address climate change. At the Summit, Mayor Walsh announced a new multi-city initiative that could lead to the development of large-scale renewable energy projects. Through the new initiative, the City recently called on developers to share information about projects that would support the energy demand of 20 U.S. cities, totalling nearly 5.7 terawatt-hours.

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.”