MBTA UPDATE ON THE GLOUCESTER DRAWBRIDGE

Monday, March 11, 2019 6 PM
Gloucester City Hall, 9 Dale Avenue

The MBTA will present a status update of the #Gloucester Drawbridge project. The project includes the full replacement of the bridge, including new foundations, approach spans, mechanical and electrical components, and track. A new control tower will be built on the Gloucester Station side of river.

In order to reduce impact to rail traffic during construction, the bridge will be built in stages. One half of the bridge will be demolished and reconstructed at a time, while rail traffic is maintained on the other half. Therefore, passenger rail interruptions will be minimized. However, there will be times that require construction over nights or weekends when no rail operation will be allowed on the bridge.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation to fully participate in the meeting, American Sign Language interpreters, assistive listening devices, and /or handouts in alternate formats, please submit your request to Trish Foley at 857-368-8907 or email trish.foley@state.ma.us at least 7 days prior to the meeting.

Scouts Day on the Hill

Today I was pleased to join with Senate President Spilka in welcoming members, leaders and family members from across Massachusetts to receive the 2018 Annual Report to the Commonwealth from the Scouts of America.

 

In addition to receiving the report, we heard inspiring remarks from Lily Desgroseilliers, a Scout from Wilmington. Demonstrating their commitment to service to others, the Scouts also presented us with a check for $547 for Daniel’s Table, a food bank in Framingham.

 

Also, on hand to receive the report were Senators Michael Moore, Vinny deMacedo, and Dean Tran, and Representatives David Robertson and Lenny Mirra.

 

Posted below are pictures from today’s events.   

 

 

Cardiovascular Disease, The Number 1 Killer Of Women

Here at the State House it's #GoRedForWomen Day! I am proud to stand with my colleagues to raise awareness about heart health.

Thank you to American Heart Association -- Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators for organizing this great awareness event.

With House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, Senate President Karen Spilka, Attorney General Maura Healey, State Senator Vinny deMacedo, Representative Brad Hill, Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, Senator Dean A. Tran and Representative Carolyn Dykema.

Stop Heart Disease - Go Red

Experts say nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented, but cardiovascular diseases continue to be a woman’s greatest health threat. Join me and American Heart Association -- Massachusetts in taking charge of your heart health! #GoRedBoston

Tomorrow I will go red and join with many colleagues to help help the American Heart Association promote the Go Red for Women effort.

Wilmington High School Auditorium Dedication

This Sunday, Wilmington officially commemorated the naming of the Wilmington Public School's High School auditorium in honor of Joanne Benton.

Joanne served as Wilmington’s Assistant School Superintendent, School Superintendent, and Interim School Superintendent. The engaging program featured speakers and artistic performances.

With Peggy Kane, former School Committee Chair, Mike Caira, former Town Manager, Paul Ruggiero the Assistant Superintendent.

Rotary Polar Plunge

From the shore side of the Cape Ann Motor Inn of Long Beach - the 9th Annual Rotary Polar Plunge to Eradicate Polio.

Tremendous turnout today to help the Rotary's efforts to put the big chill on polio. Hosted and organized by Rotary Club of Gloucester and Rotary District 7930 Please consider supporting their work, proceeds benefit The Rotary Foundation’s End Polio Now Campaign! A special incentive - all gifts will be matched 2:1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation!

MBTA Fare Increase Proposal Public Input Opportunity

On February 27th the MBTA will conduct a hearing open to the public on the system's proposed fare change. The public hearing takes place at the state's Transportation Building at 10 Park Place from 6:30 to 8:30 in the evening.

According to a draft MBTA proposal, fares will go up an average of 6.3%. Bus fares increased by $0.10, subway fares by $0.15, and monthly LinkPassed by $5.50.

Info about the proposal can be found here https://mbta.com/fare-proposal-2019

The MBTA is allowed to assess fares once every two years with a 7% cap. The MBTA says revenues from the rate increase will enable them to keep pace with inflation and support customer service enhancements being rolled out as a part of the authority’s comprehensive $8 billion modernization and improvement plan.

If approved, the new fare schedule would take effect July 1.