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Bill Straus

3 weeks ago

IMPORTANT UPDATE ON MASSDOT BRIDGE HEARING FOR DECEMBER 19.

I've been asked for any updates for details about the 25% design level virtual hearing coming this Thursday on December 19th. I've now received detailed project updates including some visual slides about the look and scope of the preferred 'vertical lift' bridge. The bridge design has gone through many public input sessions already. It's important to keep making progress on the Route 6 bridge replacement project. My own feeling is that this bridge type now represents the consensus choice both for road traffic improvement and a significant navigational expansion in channel width for marine traffic. You can read more below to better prepare for public participation in the MassDOT process.

www.repstraus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NBFH_Swing_BridgePIM_20241219.pdf … See MoreSee Less

Bill Straus

1 month ago

MASS-DOT PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 19 TO PRESENT 25% DESIGN PLANS FOR ROUTE 6 BRIDGE PROJECT IN NEW BEDFORD HARBOR.

I am excited to share the news that MassDOT has advanced the bridge replacement design plans to the 25% completion level. A required virtual public meeting for comments and input on the project is now scheduled for December 19, 2024.

Now that the US Coast Guard has signed off on the minimum height and width clearances for navigation below the bridge (see my earlier posts), the MASSDOT design team is ready to present the designs for added public input. As required, the designs include added width to incorporate shared use lanes for bicycles and pedestrians. This is a very important stage of the design process and I encourage interested individuals and parties to participate. The existing bridge is long past its useful life and a replacement will increase the available navigation width for marine and fishing interests, while completing a modern better functioning bridge using the 'vertical lift' bridge type. Learn more about the December 19 virtual meeting at the MassDOT flyer and link below.

www.mass.gov/doc/massdot-meeting-flyer-fair-havennew-bedford-121924/download … See MoreSee Less

Bill Straus

2 months ago

$4 BILLION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BILL NEAR FINAL APPROVAL IN STATE HOUSE AND SENATE TO INCLUDE MAJOR IMPROVEMENT FOR NEW BEDFORD'S POPES ISLAND MARINA.

A House-Senate Conference Committee on Beacon Hill filed a completed agreement on Tuesday for legislation providing renewed investment in the state's economy including the life sciences sector setting up Massachusetts for continued economic growth. A series of procedural votes in both chambers will need to be completed before the measure advances to the Governor's desk. While there is much in the bill for people to focus upon, I wanted to highlight the importance of the work done by the House and Senate members who represent New Bedford with regard to finally creating a workable lease and management structure for the state's Popes Island Marina; I am confidant that this change will ensure that this valuable port asset is maintained and taken care of. The marina was authorized and funded through state funds approved by the Legislature in the early 1990's. Sadly, a later agreement between a state agency and the city nearly twenty years ago was not fully honored by city administrations and the pier structure was allowed to decay to the point where today much restoration work is required. Section 296 of the bill sets up a new lease structure with transparent lease payments and responsibilities for the city and state. This language reflects an important consensus of all five state representatives for the city, and Senator Montigny. Everyone in the House delegation, Chris Hendricks, Tony Cabral, Chris Markey, Paul Schmid and myself, played a part in the success of this legislative effort and it was designed based upon priority goals shared with the delegation by the Healey-Driscoll administration. … See MoreSee Less