BOSTON – Focusing on one of his key economic development priorities, Gov. Deval Patrick on Thursday filed a $25 million bond bill to make targeted investments in broadband infrastructure in Massachusetts communities without high-speed Internet access.
The legislation calls for the creation of a Massachusetts Broadband Institute within the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. The institute will administer the new Broadband Incentive Fund, capitalized by general obligation bonds, to invest in publicly owned broadband infrastructure and partner with private firms to connect the commonwealth’s 32 unserved communities by 2010.
"Today's global economy requires that every corner of our commonwealth be wired for the 21st Century,†said Patrick. "The digital divide that persists in too many Massachusetts communities has gone on for long enough. This bond bill begins the important work of bridging that divide so every student and every business can compete on a level playing field."
The initiative is targeted at rural communities - many within Berkshire County - and has had the strong support of the Berkshire delegation.
"I share the administration's enthusiasm for expanding broadband access to underserved and unserved communities throughout the state. This is a great opportunity for the state to empower and cultivate existing talent," said state Rep. Daniel E. Bosley, D-North Adams, in a statement. "Particularly for areas like Western Massachusetts, this initiative begins to level the playing field for local students, residents and businesses by opening the door to an enormous amount of information and resources. It is a great example of collaborative public policy development.â€
The new Broadband Institute will be led by a governing board consisting of key state policymakers and governor-appointed experts. It will use the incentive fund to invest in fiber-optic cable, conduits, wireless towers and other long-lived broadband infrastructure in unserved areas. These investments will make it more attractive and cost-effective for private companies to partner with the state to deliver complete broadband solutions for residents and businesses in the region.
"To be viable and competitive in the information age, we must commit to invest in the infrastructure needed to serve every student, every business, and every home in the commonwealth," said state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield, in a statement. "This legislation lays the foundation necessary to do just that. The effects of this effort will be felt throughout the commonwealth, particularly in the Western Massachusetts communities - many of which I represent - where the need is greatest."
The legislation empowers the board to work with state agencies, municipalities and private entities to devise an operating plan to remove roadblocks to service. Private partners will be selected through a competitive solicitation. The institute will have the ability to work closely with both incumbent telecommunications and broadband providers and new market entrants.
"There's ample evidence that access to broadband triggers profound job creation and economic development opportunities," said Dan O'Connell, secretary of Housing and Economic Development. "The residents and businesses of unserved communities will realize a significant return on a very targeted and worthwhile investment and our state's entire economy will be that much stronger because of it."
The first priority for the fund’s investments will be unserved areas, where the need for broadband is most urgent. Thirty-two towns in Massachusetts currently have no broadband access whatsoever. An additional 63 communities are partially served, with broadband available only in certain areas of the community. All but one of the completely unserved communities, as well as many of the underserved ones, are located in Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden counties.
"This is a huge step forward in our goal to get every community in the state connected to the whole wide world, starting with Western Massachusetts where broadband connectivity is severely lacking," said state Sen. Stan Rosenberg, D-Amherst.
Sharon E. Gillett, commissioner of the Department of Telecommunications and Cable, said the institute will develop private-public partnerships and consider technology and business models that will include wired and wireless infrastructure as well regional and local solutions.
"With the establishment of the Broadband Institute, Massachusetts will lead the nation in recognizing the economic necessity of tackling broadband deficits, along with states like Vermont and California," said Director of Wireless and Broadband Affairs Stan McGee.
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Lanesborough Town Meeting to Vote Budget, Bylaws & Vehicle Purchases
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Tuesday's annual town meeting includes a $14 million operating budget, new short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units and sign bylaws, and free cash article appropriations.
Voters will gather at Lanesborough Elementary School on June 9 at 6 p.m. to decide on 20 warrant articles.
The fiscal 2027 budget is up a little over 10 percent. Some of the main increases are the Mount Greylock Regional School District and McCann Technical School: the McCann assessment is up more than 30 percent based on factors including enrollment and the school renovation project, and Mount Greylock's is up 11 percent.
Article 11 is for the town to vote to approve from free cash the sum of $16,298.48 for the McCann Technical School roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget. Article 3 is appropriate $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School assessment.
Another notable increase was in life and health insurance, showing an increase of about 26 percent.
Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. One of the articles asks the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses.
Many town departments are looking for new vehicles. The Fire Department is looking to replace its outdated 1996 fire engine. There are two articles related to the truck at a total of $813,366. Article 12 would transfer $225,000 from free cash into the Fire Truck Stabilization Fund; Article 13 would transfer $605,000 from the fund and authorize the borrowing of $208,366.08.
The total includes a $100,000 contingency cost to cover any additional costs if a 2026 model-year chassis cannot be secured before new emissions standards go into effect in 2027.
The board at its last meeting moved the $225,000 transfer to come before the borrowing article, changing the stabilization number. If the $225,000 is not voted on, then they will amend the next article's number on the floor, subtracting the $225,000. This shows the borrowing number significantly lower.
Article 17 asks for the transfer of $80,000 from free cash to replace a police cruiser.
Police Chief Rob Derksen's aim is to replace one vehicle every other year, meaning the oldest vehicle gets replaced about every 10 years.
He stressed that if delayed this year, the town may have to double up in a future year to get back on schedule, and that paying later usually costs more. The article will ask for $80,000 from free cash, the vehicles used to be funded by the BHRD.
Lastly, the Highway Department is looking to replace a 2014 International dump truck that will be a total of $330,000 and will take two to three years to receive.
Money will be used from last year's approval of $250,000 from free cash for the replacement of a 2012 highway front-end loader that was underspent $49,261. Town meeting is being asked to approve a transfer of $53,274.85 from free cash and the use of $227,464 from funds from the Sale of Town Real Estate to fund the balance.
Other free cash proposals include $1,200 to purchase software to support tracking and ongoing maintenance schedules of town-owned vehicles; $42,000 for the replacement of the Highway Department's storage shed roof, $200,000 to reduce the tax levy.
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