Page 6 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, June 19, 2020 Sen. Lewis supports bill to invest in transportation infrastructure and new MBTA leadership O n June 11 the Massachusetts Senate passed a bill to invest in municipal transportation projects and establish a new leadership board for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The bill, An Act financing improvements to municipal roads and bridges, authorizes $300 million in funding for municipal roads and bridges through bonding, an $80 million increase over the 2019 funding level. The legislation also establishes a new seven-member MBTA Board of Directors to succeed the current oversight body, which is known as the Fiscal Management and Control Board. The MBTA Board of Directors will be responsible for governing and exercising corporate powers of the MBTA. “Especially as our Commonwealth faces ongoing economic uncertainty and turmoil, it’s vital to make sure that our transportation infrastructure is safe, accessible, reliable, and accountable to the public,” said State Senator Jason Lewis. “By encouraging local investment in vital infrastructure and ensuring strong public oversight of the MBTA, this legislation will keep our transportation systems working for all who need them.” The bill includes the following components: • Increases the Chapter 90 bonding to $300 million, an increase of $80 million over the 2019 investment. This funding will support transportation infrastructure projects in cities and towns. • Creates a professional and Jason Lewis State Senator diverse MBTA Board of Directors by requiring the Governor’s five appointments to include a member with experience in transportation operations and safety, a member with experience in public or private finance, a member with experience in transportation or urban planning, a member who is a representative of a labor organization, and a member who has municipal government experience in the service area of the MBTA. The Secretary of Transportation will serve as an ex-officio member, and one member will be appointed by the MBTA Advisory Board. Additionally, at least two members of the MBTA Board of Directors must also serve on the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. • Keeps the MBTA Board of Directors transparent and accountable by improving the public meeting process by requiring the Board to meet at least once per month and 20 times per calendar year. Members of the MBTA Board of Directors, except the Secretary of Transportation, will serve for four-year terms and have a stipend of $12,000 per year. • Provides greater autonomy and authority to the MBTA Board of Directors by empowering the Board to make decisions on hiring the MBTA General Manager and to delegate specific powers and responsibilities to the General Manager. Affirmative hiring votes will require at least five members if the Transportation Secretary is not in the voting majority. Voting on financial decisions by the MBTA Board of Directors on matters related to construction and acquisition that uses bonds or debt service payments must also have at least five members voting in the affirmative if the Transportation Secretary is not in the voting majority. Before the bill can be sent to the governor to be signed into law, legislators will work to reconcile the bill with a similar bill passed by the House of Representatives. J& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping We Now Offer For Your Eating Pleasure “UBER EATS” Convenient Delivery Service Bianchi’s Pizza and Renzo’s Full Menu To Go Open for Takeout for Bianchi’s Pizza and Renzo’s Food 381 Revere Beach Blvd., Revere 781-284-5600
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