THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JunE 19, 2020 Page 5 DiDomenico votes to authorize $300M for roads, bridges and new MBTA leadership O n June 11, State Senator Sal DiDomenico and his colleagues in 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 municipal roads and bridges through bonding, an $80 million increase over the 2019 Chapter 90 appropriation. 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. “This $300 million investment will not only help us meet our immediate transit needs, but also ensure we can continue working on longterm projects and improvements to our transportation system that were needed long before COVID-19 began,” said DiDomenico. “This bill is a win-win: By funding local improvement projects now, we can kick start our economy, all while moving forward with the development of a safe and equitable transit system for decades to come. I would like to thank Senate President Karen Spilka, Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues, and Senate Transportation Chair Joe Boncore for their work and leadership on this legislation.” 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 diverse MBTA Board of Directors by requiring the Governor’s five appointments to include a member with experience in transportation opbers 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 Sal DiDomenico State Senator erations 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 constituting 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 memDirectors 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 over 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. The bill must now be reconciled with the version of the bill passed by the Massachusetts House of Representatives. MassPort Noise Complaint Line: 617-561-3333 AMERICA RUNS ON DUNKIN’... HELP WANTED 1885 REVERE BEACH PARKWAY, EVERETT, MA 1886 REVERE BEACH PARKWAY, EVERETT, MA 524 BROADWAY, EVERETT, MA 617-387-4291 Email: Gianna@donutenterprise.com MORNINGS 4AM - 11AM AFTERNOONS 12 NOON-6PM NIGHT SHIFTS 6PM-12 MIDNIGHT MIDNIGHT SHIFTS 11PM-5AM Flexible hours, Health Benefits, 401k Plan w/ match and college benefits, Vacation benefits. The Chelsea Commons 1100 Revere Beach Parkway Chelsea * 617-466-2098 * Artisan Flat Bread Pizza * Neapolitan Pizza * Fresh Pasta Dishes * Barbeque * Sandwiches * Calzone * Salads * Italian Style Buffet Catering ~ Local Delivery ~ OPENING SOON! michaelgsrestaurant.com * michaelgscatering.com
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