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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.

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3 days ago
Bill Straus

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF PUBLIC TRANSIT ON THE SOUTHCOAST.

I was honored to join in a 50th anniversary celebration for regional bus service for the SouthCoast as provided by SRTA (Southeast Regional Transit Authority) on Friday. Congratulations to the operators and staff at SRTA as this public agency has been able to expand service routes and times through increased funding from the state and federal government. The honored guest was State Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt. I was joined at the event by my colleagues Senator Mike Rodrigues, Reps Chris Markey, State Representative Paul Schmid, Carole Fiola, Steve Howitt and local mayors.
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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF PUBLIC TRANSIT ON THE SOUTHCOAST.

I was honored to join in a 50th anniversary celebration for regional bus service for the SouthCoast as provided by SRTA (Southeast Regional Transit Authority) on Friday.  Congratulations to the operators and staff at SRTA as this public agency has been able to expand service routes and times through increased funding from the state and federal government.  The honored guest was State Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt.  I was joined at the event by my colleagues Senator Mike Rodrigues, Reps Chris Markey,  State Representative Paul Schmid, Carole Fiola, Steve Howitt and local mayors.Image attachment
3 weeks ago
Bill Straus

I JUST FILED MY COMMENTS WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REGARDING SITING OF FURTHER OFFSHORE WIND LEASES IN THE CENTRAL ATLANTIC BANK

The Federal Government has recently issued a call for comments on what could be further offshore wind leases in an area to the south vital to many New Bedford based scallopers. Known as "CAB 2", this possible leasing area is NOT part of Massachusetts' renewable energy plans BUT the way in which a future plan is developed is very important to our port and the ability of many scallopers to continue to fish the area. For that reason I prepared a public comment calling for close monitoring and even exclusion of some areas from wind power leasing within CAB 2 which have already been identified as key scallop habitat areas in a report from the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences. I support the expansion of renewable energy sources in response to climate change but also believe we can do this in a balanced way which considers sensitive and vital natural marine habitats. You can read my comment letter yourself at the this link:

www.repstraus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/BOEM-2024-0040.pdf
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I JUST FILED MY COMMENTS WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REGARDING SITING OF FURTHER OFFSHORE WIND LEASES IN THE CENTRAL ATLANTIC BANK

The Federal Government has recently issued a call for comments on what could be further offshore wind leases in an area to the south vital to many New Bedford based scallopers.  Known as CAB 2, this possible leasing area is NOT part of Massachusetts renewable energy plans BUT the way in which a future plan is developed is very important to our port and the ability of many scallopers to continue to fish the area.  For that reason I prepared a public comment calling for close monitoring and even exclusion of some areas from wind power leasing within CAB 2 which have already been identified as key scallop habitat areas in a report from the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences.  I support the expansion of renewable energy sources in response to climate change but also believe we can do this in a balanced way which considers sensitive and vital natural marine habitats.  You can read my comment letter yourself at the this link:    

http://www.repstraus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/BOEM-2024-0040.pdf

Comment on Facebook

I was glad to see today in emails that the City of New Bedford through its Harbor Development Commission (dba NB Port Authority) has also joined in expressing concerns about the siting issues involved in the CAB2 area so important to New Bedford based scallopers.

As a candidate for state representative in the 10th Bristol District, I stand with Representative Straus on his letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) regarding the commercial leasing for wind power on the Central Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (CAB2). This is a critical issue for our fishing industry. BOEM must ensure that any leases or siting decisions protect the vital fishing areas in and around CAB2, including implementing exclusion areas and buffer zones where necessary. As your next state representative, I will fight to protect our critical fishing grounds and be a tireless advocate for the long-term sustainability of our fishing industry. – Mark Sylvia

Thank you Bill! For those that are questioning, the area in dispute has produced almost 1.5 Billion dollars worth of scallops over the last 16 years, much of which was sold in New Bedford (NOAA study). Loss of this area would be devastating to the local fleet.

4 weeks ago
Bill Straus

Great organization providing fresh nutritious food to the local population from over 60 local farm partners. See MoreSee Less

Comment on Facebook

We so greatly appreciate you Rep. Straus!

1 month ago
Bill 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.
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FAIRHAVEN-NEW BEDFORD BRIDGE PROJECT ADVANCES WITH COAST GUARD NAVIGATION APPROVAL

Heres 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:    

https://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.

Comment on Facebook

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

2 months ago
Bill Straus

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.
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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 Im sure more information will be coming soon.

Comment on Facebook

Thank you so much for your part in this Bill !!!

Can’t wait 🥰

3 months ago
Bill Straus

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

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.

https://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.

Comment on Facebook

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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