Page 2 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, ApRil 8, 2022 McGonagle, House pass $350M bond authorization for local transportation infrastructure S tate Representative Joseph McGonagle recently supported a $350 million bond bill to help maintain municipal roads and bridges under the state’s Chapter 90 program and to provide additional funding for several transportation-related municipal grant programs. House Bill 4638, An Act fi nancing improvements to municipal roads and bridges, will provide over $690,000 to Everett to assist with the upkeep of its local transportation infrastructure under the state’s Chapter 90 program, which is being funded at $200 million for Fiscal Year 2023. The bill was passed (156-0) by the House of Representatives on March 30, but it requires Senate approval and Governor Charlie Baker’s signature. “We had a pretty tough winter and it wasn’t kind to our roads,” said McGonagle. “This money will help us maintain their upkeep and repair them for the rest of the year. We also can use the money for other road related expenses and have the ability to apply for other transportation related grants. Overall, this money is necessary to keep Everett moving and I’m grateful to the House for their work on this.” McGonagle said the House bill also authorizes $150 million in additional spending for fi ve state grant programs that cities and towns can access for assistance in funding local transporANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $3.859 Mid Unleaded $4.269 Super $4.399 Diesel Fuel $4.919 "43 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2021 KERO $6.99 DEF $4.75 9 Diesel $4.599 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS provement of pavement and surface conditions on non-federally aided roadways • A $30 million increase in the municipal small bridge program, which supports the design, engineering, construction, preservation, reconstruction and repair of, or improvements to, non-federally aided bridges • A $25 million increase for Joseph McGonagle State Representative tation-related initiatives. Specifi cally, the bill provides for: • A $40 million increase for the construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, repair and imthe Complete Streets Program, which provides technical assistance and construction funding to eligible municipalities seeking to provide safe and accessible travel mode options for people of all ages and abilities • A $25 million increase for grants to municipalities for the prioritization and enhancement of mass transit by bus • A $25 million increase for grants to municipalities to expand access to mass transit and commuter rail stations McGonagle noted that the Chapter 90 program is designed to help cities and towns address local transportation priorities by allowing funding to be used for a variety of construction purposes, including road resurfacing, sidewalk repairs, direction and warning signs, traffi c signals, crosswalks and street lighting. Other eligible construction projects include structural work on bridges, culverts, footbridges and pedestrian bridges as well as retaining walls. State and local police take down Dorchester man at Encore By Christopher Roberson D ennis Penney, 40, of Dorchester, was taken into custody following a wild, 30-minute pursuit that came to an end outside Encore Boston Harbor. The incident allegedly began at approximately 7:15 a.m. on April 5 when a state trooper stopped at the intersection of Route 60 and Route 1 in Revere to assist Penney, who appeared to be emotionally disturbed. However, Penney drove off and merged onto Route 1 south, refusing to stop, thus prompting troopers to give chase. Penney then exited Route 1 at Carter Street in Chelsea, where he allegedly struck a car. He then began driving down a dead-end street where troopers were waiting for him. However, Penney was able to escape, hitting several police vehicles and parked cars as he continued to fl ee. State Police, assisted by offi cers from Everett and Chelsea, continued to follow Penney and surrounded him outside the casino. However, Penney did not go quietly and allegedly attempted to engage offi cers in a physical altercation. According to police, a Taser was needed to fi nally subdue the suspect. He was subsequently taken to Massachusetts General Hospital for evaluation. “We have one person in custody following a pursuit that just ended in the vicinity of the Everett casino,” State Police said in a Twitter post. “The suspect fl ed from one of our lieutenants and led us on a pursuit, during which the suspect struck several cruisers.” The incident remains under investigation. City looks to bolster Internet access with Digital Navigator Program F By Christopher Roberson unded by a $23.3 million grant from the MassHire Metro North Workforce Board, the city will be implementing a Digital Navigator Program designed to assist residents with Internet access. According to representatives from the city’s Human Resources Department, fi ve Everett High School students will be selected as Digital Navigators. They will be students who are interested in pursuing a career in Information Technology. They will be compensated at $15 per hour for 200 hours. “The city will have in-person service, phone communication and Zoom appointments available. Residents seeking assistance will call 311 and those calls will be routed to the Digital Navigators,” said Human Resources personnel. “Digital Navigators will be assisting residents with internet issues such as checking WiFi signal, helping see internet speed, or something as simple as helping someone who is locked out of Facebook.” The program is scheduled to begin in May and will run through the end of June. However, the Human Resources Department anticipates that the program will be extended for an additional eight weeks. “Since the pandemic, the city noticed residents need a more reliable and consistent form of communication,” said Human Resources personnel. “So, digital access became a massive contributor to everyone staying informed about what was going on in the world. The Digital Navigators’ job is to provide individualized or small group assistance or coaching in introductory digital skills.” In addition, students will enroll in Signal Success Training through the Commonwealth Corporation which is required by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance. The Digital Navigator Program stems from a larger collaboration with the Massachusetts Area Planning Council (MAPC). According to the MAPC, approximately 20 percent of homes in Gateway Cities are without Internet access. Ryan Kelly, digital services manager for the MAPC, said a Digital Equity Plan has been in the works for the past year to improve Internet access in Everett, Malden and Revere. He said the MAPC now serves as a liaison between local communities and the National Digital Inclusion Alliance. Prices subject to change Ask about our Heating Oil Conditioner! FLEET
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