The state’s Division of Marine Fisheries has received notice that the Amitié Fiber Optic Submarine Cable System Marine Survey is scheduled to begin on or about January 15th off the coast of the North Shore. These geophysical surveys will follow a predetermined route for a future subsea telecommunication cable network. In the interest of informing local fishermen in the area I want to share this notice. Alcatel Submarine Networks will be conducting sonar scans and other data collection techniques to meet state and federal government permit application and environmental analysis requirements.

The geophysical data samples will be operating within a 1,650‐foot‐wide corridor that extends from Lynn, Massachusetts to the shores off Rockport. There is a proposal to install a subsea communications cable along a 29 mile long route off our coast that will link to cable lines from the U.K, and Bordeaux France.

They have published this message: “Although the survey vessel will attempt to avoid all fishing gear, we advise all mariners and fishermen operating in the area to plan accordingly when deploying gear in the vicinity of the vessel route. ASN has also hired a Fishery Liaison to assist with “on the water” communications between the survey vessel and the fishing industry. The Fishery Liaison will also place high‐fliers on the predetermined survey route for visual identification in the days prior to the survey.”

On the days of survey operations, the R/V Megan T. Miller Captain can be contacted via VHF Channel 13 or 16. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Tom Hill, water‐based Fishery Liaison for ASN, at (978) 697‐5821. Jay Van Horn, land‐based Fishery Liaison, can be contacted via email at jay.vanhorn@erm.com or cell phone at (860) 634‐4934.

$1 Million MassWorks Grant For West Newbury

The Town of West Newbury will use a $1 million MassWorks award to reconstruct the Plummer Spring Road Bridge. The bridge, located on the border with #Newburyport, has been closed since 2018 due to a collapsed sidewall, resulting in a 3.4-mile detour. The closure impacts access to Anna Jaques Hospital from West Newbury and impedes the designated emergency evacuation route from the Seabrook Nuclear Power Station.

“After a considerable amount of input from residents and local officials, this $1 million award will fuel the reconstruction of an important link in our local transportation infrastructure,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr. “This is wonderful use of the MassWorks’ Small Town Road Assistance Program - it successfully partners state and local resources to get this job done.”

“It’s vitally important to have this bridge repaired so that we can continue to have this much needed additional access between Newburyport and West Newbury. I’m very pleased to get this funding approved,” said Representative Lenny Mirra.

The bridge will also receive a $500,000 MassDOT Small Municipal Bridge Grant for design and some construction. Construction will include pre-cast guardrail transitions, as well as bridge realignment and road widening.

“MassWorks is a valuable program that maximizes return on investment for capital funding, delivering vital infrastructure repairs that improve public safety while stimulating local and private development, job growth and housing production,” said Governor Charlie Baker.

“The West Newbury Board of Selectmen and its residents are deeply thankful for the Commonwealth’s $1 million MassWorks grant for the Plummer Spring Road/Middle Street Bridge. The award is absolutely critical to the communities’ ability to bring this important project to timely completion,” said West Newbury, Massachusetts Town Manager Angus Jennings.

Initiative Petitions And The 2020 Ballot

Today, the Senate took action on two of four questions likely to be placed before voters at the November 3 election. We voted to direct the initiatives, the Massachusetts Right to Repair and The Massachusetts Beer and Wine in Food Stores, to the relevant legislative committee.

Before a question can be placed on a state-wide ballot proponents must first submit a requisite number of signatures from registered voters and have the Secretary of State affirm the amount has been met. In addition, the item must be determined ‘Constitutional’ by the state’s Attorney General. The Right to Repair question seeks to update a 2012 law that empowers consumers to have repairs and service performed by independent repair shops. Proponents of the new question wish to expand the law to also include wireless technology and vehicle monitoring technology that uses GPS system and on-board diagnostics information.

The other measure, known as the Beer and Wine in Food Stores Initiative, would allow retail stores whose primary business is selling food for consumption off the premises to sell malt beverages and wine - but not spirits. Cities and towns would decide the number of store licenses to issue. If the House and Senate have not acted on these petitions by May 5th, question sponsors must collect an additional 13,000 signatures to place their questions on the 2020 ballot.

MassDOT Advisory: Route 114 Danvers/Middleton January 13 to 17

Daytime Lane Restrictions on Route 114 (Andover Street) Bridge over the Ipswich River

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has announced daytime lane restrictions on Route 114 to support necessary water main repairs. Each day, the westbound lane on the bridge carrying Route 114 over the Ipswich River will be closed during the hours of 9:00 a.m., and 3:00 p.m., from Monday, January 13, through Friday, January 17. All westbound traffic will be shifted to the center left turning lane during the work. One lane of travel will remain open in both directions with no planned detours.

This impact is necessary to allow crews to safely and effectively repair the Town of Danvers water main which is suspended beneath the bridge. The work will be performed by Albanese Brothers, Inc. for the Town of Danvers under a MassDOT permit.

Those traveling through the area should expect delays, reduce speed and use caution. Appropriate signage will be in place to guide users through the work area.

Update from the Town of North Reading on drinking water

The town of North Reading is distributing the following update about the town's drinking water:

The Commonwealth Nonprofit Safety Grant Program

Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito hosted a ceremonial signing of a bill that makes funding available to help Massachusetts houses of worship and other nonprofit groups enhance their security against hate crimes and terrorist attacks.

This funding from the recently-enacted end of year supplemental budget adds $1 million to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides funding for security enhancements to nonprofit organizations that are ineligible for similar federal grants. Funds can be used to acquire and install technology, equipment, and other resources to safeguard them from acts of violence. Funding is prioritized for applicants demonstrating the greatest need and cost-effective solutions to address their building safety and security.

With Governor Charlie Baker, Senator Mike Moore, Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston President and CEO Marc Baker and others.

Senate Begins the New Year

The Senate rang in the new year yesterday at the State House with the bang of a gavel and the welcoming of Boston Celtic Jaylen Brown. The state Constitution requires the Senate be in session on the first Wednesday of January - this year being the first day of the new year. Jaylen Brown's visit was entirely voluntary.

Jaylen, a guest of Senator Nick Collins, was invited to the Senate Chamber to be recognized for his significant volunteer work with local children. His Juice Foundation has raised and donated thousands of dollars to organizations, including Boys and Girls clubs to help kids develop strong foundations. His work ethic, altruistic drive, and humanitarian efforts are inspiring.