BRTA Granted $670K For Buses And Roof

By Andy McKeeveriBerkshires Staff
Print Story | Email Story

The BRTA is receiving $670,000 in federal funds for new vans and building maintenance.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority received more than a half-million dollars four new vehicles and to put a new roof over its head.

Gov. Deval Patrick and the state Department of Transportation announced a federal earmark of $13.2 million to 10 of the state's regional transit authorities on Tuesday, with $670,000 of that going to the Berkshires.

The money comes from three years of unused federal transportation funds and will provide the Berkshire authority with four new 14-passenger vans with fare boxes — at a cost of $420,000 — and a $250,000 roof and fencing for its 34-year-old maintenance facility in the Downing Parkway.

"The Obama administration has made a smart decision to put unspent dollars into necessary projects that create jobs," Patrick said in a prepared statement. "These projects reflect our commitment to improve public transportation for residents across the commonwealth."


The funds are part of the federal "We Can't Wait" initiative allowing states to reuse unused federal earmarks from 2003 to 2006 for highway and transit projects. The state Department of Transportation chose the "shovel-ready" projects for funding.

"Regional Transit Authorities provide a critical service to residents of every region of the commonwealth who depend on transit to get to work and school," said MassDOT Secretary Richard Davey. "MassDOT is pleased to partner with the RTAs in moving these projects forward."

Eleven projects in the state's 28 RTAs were funded. The projects are fully funded by the federal government and does not require state or local matches.

Tags: Berkshire Regional Transportation Authority,   federal grants,   transportation,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories