Community Leaders Debate Transportation Future At Forum

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A proposed $100 million increase in state funding for the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority may not be such a boon.

BRTA Administrator Gary Shepard said on Monday that the increase doesn't include provisions to secure a reoccurring funding source and doesn't give the BRTA its own line item in the state budget.

While an increased focus on transportation funding is appreciated, it really only forward-funds the organization, a move that should have been done years ago, Shepard explained at a transportation forum on Monday at Berkshire Community College.

"The $100 million doesn't represent expansion, it represents forward funding. I can't look you in the eye and say I can do more with this. The $100 million just gets us up back to zero," Shepard said, explaining that the BRTA is retroactively funded each year.

Shepard wants the resources to expand services but this proposal is only one step toward it. Transportation funding is going to be a hot-button issue on Beacon Hill this upcoming session.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is in need of help as it was two years ago, but in order to get the political support to save it, legislators are being asked to provide additional funding for the state's RTAs.

"The MBTA is a deep, dark hole of financial instability," said state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, D-Pittsfield. "People in the Berkshires shouldn't have to keep bailing out the T."

But Shepard said the conversation wouldn't be happening at all if the MBTA wasn't in trouble.

Farley-Bouvier has introduced a bill that would mandate more equity in public transportation funding, revamp the funding mechanisms and set goals for transportation, as well as making newer projects fit them.

"We are taking money set aside for capital costs and we are using that money to pay for operations," Farley-Bouvier said.

Further investment in public transportation in the "Gateway Cities" was identified as a key to the financial future for the entire state by MassInc, an independent research company.

He used the proposed rail line from Pittsfield to New York City as a good addition to the transportation system but once the tourists get here, they'll be stuck in the county without adequate public transit. Plus, he said, public transportation makes it worthwhile for teens to work and buses can be part of the county's branding.

Chamber of Commerce President Michael Supranowicz said a survey conducted last year and found nearly every industry indicated increased public transportation would be a benefit.

"When the industry left, we turned into a service industry and we've got places open 24 hours now," Supranowicz said after recalling the days when stores would not be open on weekends or night.

Even the existing manufacturers said public transportation would help their business, Supranowicz said.

BCC President Ellen Kennedy said "you'd be amazed" at how many students rely on public transportation.

"People can't take classes at night if they rely on public transportation," Kennedy said, adding that if students wanted to, they wouldn't have even been able to attend the 4 p.m. forum if they relied on public transportation.

Both Kennedy and Supranowicz advocated for longer service hours, more routes and availability to more people.

In other transportation discussion, Mayor Daniel Bianchi advocated for a greater connection with upstate New York and more predictable Chapter 90 highway funds.

Lee Chamber Celebrates Local Community Members

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
05:58PM / Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Chamber Executive Director Alexandra Heddinger is applauded for her work.

LEE, Mass. — Longtime teacher, coach and community activist Thomas Cinella was the recipient of this year's Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lee Chamber of Commerce.

 

Cinella was one of four individuals and one organization who were celebrated at last week's gathering at the Greenock Country Club.

 

"We have the honor of recognizing some outstanding individuals and organizations whose dedication, leadership, and generosity make Lee such a remarkable place to live, work, and raise a family," said President Erik Williams. "Each of our award recipients embodies the spirit of community and service that makes our town so special."

 

The awards were presented to Cinella, Ray Murray III, Scott and John LePrevost, and the Lee Lions Club.

 

Cinella, born in Lee in 1941, has joked he'd spent all but the four years he was in college in his hometown. He taught math at Lee High School as well as coaching basketball for 45 years. He has a record of six state championships and 15 Western Massachusetts championships during his 20 years of coaching the girls' varsity team.

 

Outside of school, Cinella served on the Lee Library Board of Trustees, chaired the Sandy Beach Committee, was the town lifeguard, and was involved with the town's playgrounds.

 

"Tom, your name is on the basketball court, and the banners and trophies, and it tells an impressive story. But your greatest legacy is found in the students you encouraged, the players you believed in, and the generations of young people who carry something of what you taught them with them every single day," Williams said. "Lee has been fortunate to have you as a teacher, coach, volunteer, and neighbor."