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Bill Straus proudly represents the 10th Bristol District in the Massachusetts Legislature. Bill received a bachelors degree from Middlebury College, his law degree from Georgetown University and also holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School.
Prior to his election as Representative, Bill served as an Assistant District Attorney in Bristol County for six years prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the Commonwealth. He also was a member of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission and was a founding board member of the Zeiterion Theatre in New Bedford.
Bill is the House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Transportation. He has been involved extensively in transportation issues as a legislator. He was the original sponsor of legislation that added the Port of New Bedford to the Steamship Authority system now connecting New Bedford with Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. As Transportation Chair he was instrumental in securing the funding for SouthCoast Rail—now under construction and due to begin passenger service to Boston in 2023. As Transportation Chair this term, Bill’s work has already lead to a jump in local road and bridge money from the state that goes directly to the towns and cities.
Bill has also worked on a number of issues in the legislature including education, protection of our drinking water aquifer, healthcare and privacy matters. He is the original sponsor of the state’s ‘do-not’call’ list to protect people from nuisance calls from telemarketers.
Great organization providing fresh nutritious food to the local population from over 60 local farm partners. … See MoreSee Less
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We so greatly appreciate you Rep. Straus!
FAIRHAVEN-NEW BEDFORD BRIDGE PROJECT ADVANCES WITH COAST GUARD NAVIGATION APPROVAL
Here's an update with some really good news on the bridge project. Just yesterday, the U.S. Coast Guard issued a critical navigation approval to the state for the replacement of the outdated Route 6 bridge between Fairhaven and New Bedford. The U.S. Coast Guard issued an approval letter (known as a PNCD or Preliminary Navigation Clearance Determination) agreeing with the MassDOT proposal for a bridge with a significant new wider navigation channel of 260' and a minimum height when the road deck is elevated of 138'. For comparison, the bridges over the Cape Cod Canal have a vertical height clearance of 135'. You can read the October 4, 2024 PNCD from the Coast Guard yourself at this link:
www.repstraus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/PNCD-Letter-to-MassDOT-Sep-2024.pdf
This Coast Guard acceptance of the navigation changes to the channel opening means that MassDOT can now advance its design plans for the proposed project to the important 25% level. That will then trigger public hearings on the MassDOT recommendation for a bridge type known as Vertical Lift–that is a type of bridge where the road deck elevates between two towers. An example is the rail bridge over the Cape Cod Canal.
In early August the entire state legislative delegation (myself, Senator Mark Montigny, Representatives Chris Hendricks, Tony Cabral, Chris Markey and Paul Schmid) sent a letter to the US Coast Guard asking for it to act promptly on this design issue. I previously shared a link to our letter in an earlier bridge update posting.
The design for a new bridge includes vehicle travel lanes but also dedicated bike lanes in both directions. The wider road deck and the wider and safer navigation channel will bring improvements for all users of the new bridge whether on the water or the bridge itself. … See MoreSee Less
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We are happy that "the design for a new bridge includes vehicle travel lanes but also dedicated bike lanes in both directions." Let's ensure they are separated and protected for the safety of all road users. www.mass.gov/doc/chapter-2-planning/download
CONGRATULATIONS TO MATTAPOISETT'S LEE HEALD FOR APPOINTMENT TO GOVERNOR'S ARTS COUNCIL.
SouthCoast resident, and AHA Night founder, Lee Heald was sworn in today by Governor Healey as a member of the Cultural Economy Advisory Council. We all know Lee around here for the amazing work she did in running the AHA Nights in New Bedford. Her experience in the arts world made her the obvious choice for me to recommend to the Governor earlier this year for inclusion on the Council. The Council, operating under Economic Affairs Secretary Yvonne Hao, will advance the work of the Arts in Massachusetts and recognizes the contribution to our economy. Congratulations to Lee, and to Governor Healey for recognizing the value of gaining this SouthCoast voice on cultural activities for Massachusetts. Learn more about the Council at the link below.
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Healey-Driscoll Administration Appoints Cultural Economy Advisory Council Members
www.mass.gov
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Congratulations Candace Lee Heald! This is a great choice for the SouthCoast.
SOUTH COAST RAIL ARRIVES IN NEW BEDFORD!
Well it was a smooth and fast ride yesterday and I was glad to have a chance to join the day's scheduled inspection ride all the way from Boston to New Bedford's new downtown station. The safety checks continue; these tests have progressed well and the test trains now travel up to the programmed top speed of 79 MPH on stretches outside of stations and crossings. For those who I always expect to say "I'll believe it when I see it", you can start watching below.
Thanks to Governor Healey for seeing this through under the dedicated supervision of MBTA General Manager Phil Eng.
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MBTA general manager talks future of South Coast Rail during test stop in New Bedford
turnto10.com
South Coast Rail carried passengers into New Bedford Wednesday afternoon, something that has not been done in decades.Comment on Facebook
I AM JOINING AN INSPECTION RIDE OF SOUTHCOAST RAIL FROM MIDDLEBORO TO NEW BEDFORD LATER THIS WEEK
With the testing continuing on the SouthCoast Rail project progressing along it is now reaching the top eventual speeds for operation of over 75 miles per hour. Although more detailed testing will continue until final Federal Rail safety approval and public service begins in 2025, I am excited that I and members of the SouthCoast delegation will have an opportunity to ride the train this Wednesday from the new Middleboro station to downtown New Bedford. This is a significant step and I'm sure more information will be coming soon. … See MoreSee Less
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Thank you so much for your part in this Bill !!!
Can’t wait 🥰
Its impossible for me to fully express my gratitude for having the opportunity to represent these communities over the years. … See MoreSee Less
State Rep. Bill Straus reflects on 32 years on Beacon Hill – The New Bedford Light
newbedfordlight.org
This year, after 16 two-year terms representing the suburbs east of New Bedford in the 10th Bristol District, Straus decided not to run for reelection. It means he will also step down from his role co…Comment on Facebook
Thank you so much for your service, support and guidance 🙏🏽.
I am proud to have voted for you. I am grateful for your service. and I am well aware that you did it to promote the greater good rather than for selfish reasons. I will forever have an appreciation for what you've done for our district.
Thank you for all you did for all of us.
Bill it is an honor to know someone like you. Your public service is not an easy task but you did it with grace and integrity. I wish you all the best in the future.
Thank you Bill for your service! Enjoy retirement.
Thank you always for your dedication and service to the Southcoast!
Thank you Bill for all the good things you did for us during your many years of public service ! Miss you !
Thank you, Bill, for all your work and support!!! We are grateful!! Sharon & Woody
Thank you Bill for all of your advocacy for the Southcoast. We will miss you but Mark will step right into your very busy shoes❤️💙
Thank you Rep Bill Straus
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EARLY VOTING HAS STARTED FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
Early in-person voting has begun for the Massachusetts Democratic Primary to be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. I took the opportunity to vote early this morning at the Mattapoisett Town Hall. Tuesday's ballot is the first time I have not been a candidate for the Democratic nomination for State Representative in over thirty years, but I was excited to cast my vote today for Mark Sylvia to be our nominee for the November General Election. Mark is incredibly qualified to take on the challenges of representing the 10th Bristol District on Beacon Hill and I encourage people to start him on the way to victory by getting out to vote for him in the Primary and then again in November! … See MoreSee Less
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On Tuesday, September 3rd Primary Day, voters in most of my district will also have the chance to re-elect my dedicated colleague Mark Montigny to the State Senate. His experience and knowledge are vital to the delegation's continued efforts on behalf of the South Coast.
Thank you, Rep Bill Straus for your kind words of support, your vote and for your 32 years of strong representation on behalf of the people of the 10th Bristol District.
STATUS UPDATE FOR THE NEW BEDFORD-FAIRHAVEN BRIDGE PROJECT
I often get requests for an update on where things stand for the planning and design of the replacement for the New Bedford Fairhaven Bridge on Route 6. A necessary next step for the new bridge is awaiting a decision from the US Coast Guard. A few weeks ago the entire state legislative delegation (myself, Senator Mark Montigny, Representatives Chris Hendricks, Tony Cabral, Chris Markey and Paul Schmid) sent a letter to the US Coast Guard asking for it to act promptly so that MassDOT can get going on the rest of the necessary design work for a new bridge. Copies were sent to our US Senators and Congressman Keating so that they can help the SouthCoast on this major project. Until the Coast Guard acts, nothing further can be done by the state to advance the design for a new Route 6 bridge. Read our letter at the link below.
www.repstraus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024-07-19-USCG-Letter.pdf
Here is a brief background summary which lead us to ask the Coast Guard to complete its initial review. As those who follow this page know, the Legislature has been very helpful in providing design and early action funding authorization for the project, including in the 2022 Transportation Bond Bill.
Early in 2024, MassDOT completed its work on a critical step of the design process with the public release of a Navigation Impact Report including a preference as to the most efficient type of new bridge design. MassDOT has determined that the best course from the perspective of operation, improvement to navigation, construction duration and cost is for construction of a vertical lift bridge; that design would result in a new bridge which would also result in replacing the two existing navigational channels of 95' wide each to a single new much wider channel of a 260' width. A wider new pavement deck for the bridge would also allow for bike lanes in both directions as well as pedestrian sidewalks. At full height, the lifted road deck would rise to an elevation of 138', on par with the Cape Cod Canal bridges and the Fore River Bridge in Quincy; that is a height more than sufficient for the existing commercial fishing and shipping fleets who use our upper harbor and is competitive with other ports in the northeast.
But now, a critical decision to allow the project to advance rests with the federal government at the US Coast Guard. The Coast Guard does NOT have to agree or disagree as to the type of bridge design, but need only issue something called a Preliminary Navigation Clearance Determination (PNCD) which would adopt as acceptable minimums, the proposed new wider channel width of 260' and raised deck height of 38'. The state could go higher or wider in its final design, but not less than the proposed design minimums determined by MassDOT earlier this year.
The local delegation hopes that the Coast Guard will respond promptly. Please note, members of the public including those who depend on the navigation channel in the harbor, are also able to still weigh in by writing with their own thoughts to the same "First Coast Guard District" right here in Boston as we did. … See MoreSee Less
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A further update with regard to the navigation clearance review pending before the US Coast Guard. MassDOT has weighed in with a further written request to the Coast Guard for action. In addition I have received assurances from the Boston office of the Coast Guard that review is proceeding. You can read the MassDOT letter for yourself at the link below. www.repstraus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NewBedford_NIRCoverLetter_20240809.pdf
Thank you for the update. The replacement bridge is paramount, and we greatly appreciate your commitment to the project's advancement. We are happy to see the inclusion of "A wider new pavement deck for the bridge would also allow for bike lanes in both directions as well as pedestrian sidewalks."
Thank you for the update.
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