Gov. Baker calls immigration executive order ‘hugely problematic’
Boston — Sunday, Gov. Charlie Baker issued a statement regarding the Trump administration’s refugee and immigration order. Baker and members of the Baker-Polito administration are discussing the implications of Friday’s action with the academic community, the medical and research sectors and with representatives of Massachusetts residents potentially affected by the order. The statement reads:
“Massachusetts is a global community. We all benefit from the shared experiences of our partners from around the world. Our education, health care, business and public sector institutions rely on these relationships to deliver on their missions every single day.
“The federal government’s recent decision puts this at risk and I believe focusing on countries’ predominant religions will not make the country safer as terrorists have showed they intend to strike from across the world. The confusion for families is real. The unexpected disruption for law-abiding people is real. And the lack of guidance associated with such an abrupt and overwhelming decision is hugely problematic for all involved.
“Thankfully, the federal courts will have an opportunity to straighten this out and it is my hope they do so, and do so quickly to clarify the status of those affected so that people who have done nothing but follow the rules can rest assured that they will be able to go on with their lives.”
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2nd round of ‘Complete Streets’ community funding
Boston — Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack, Highway Administrator Thomas Tinlin and members of the Massachusetts Legislature Thursday announced the second round of awards from the Complete Streets program. A ceremony was held at the Massachusetts State House to distribute a total of $5.5 million to 15 communities in funding for the program.
A “complete street” is one that provides safe and accessible options for all travel modes and for all people, taking into account the ages and abilities of individuals. Complete Streets program requirements include the attendance by municipalities at an initial program workshop, passage of a Complete Streets policy that scores 80 or above out of a possible 100 points, and the development of a Complete Streets Prioritization Plan. Upon completion of the requirements, a municipality is eligible for construction funds. Through the program, a municipality is eligible to request up to $50,000 for technical assistance and up to $400,000 for construction funding with additional consideration in the qualification process for Community Compact communities.
The program was launched on Feb. 1, 2016. In September 2016, the Baker-Polito administration announced the first round of awards from the program to 11 communities, which totaled over $4.4 million. The awards will be used to fund local, multi-modal infrastructure improvement projects, as identified in each municipality’s submitted Complete Streets Prioritization Plan.
Area Complete Streets funding locations and descriptions:
Dalton will receive $400,000 in funding for improvements to existing sidewalks and construction of new sidewalks on High Street. This project will enhance safety on one of the most heavily used pedestrian routes in the town that is often traveled by those walking to the Pinegrove Park recreational area and Dalton Senior Center. The project context area and neighborhood is also listed as an environmental justice population.
Egremont will receive $58,933 in funding for projects that improve safety for bicyclists, pedestrians and other travelers throughout the town. These projects will include the installation of “your speed” signs that encourage drivers to decrease their speeds, installation of signage alerting drivers to the presence of hikers and pedestrians, and the installation of additional bicycle parking spaces and a bicycle repair station.
Hinsdale will receive $400,000 in funding for constructing new sidewalks, replacing degraded sidewalks, installing new crosswalks at intersections, and implementing traffic calming measures at priority locations. The new sidewalks and crosswalks will be constructed along Longview and Commonwealth avenues, the sidewalks will be replaced and a new crosswalk installed along Church and Goodrich streets, and there will two new “your speed” feedback signs to calm traffic on Longview Avenue.
The available funding for Complete Streets is $12.5 million to be used through fiscal years 2016 and 2017.
