State Awarded Federal Grant for Mobility Management Pilot Program

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BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced it has received a $360,000 grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Innovative Coordinated Access & Mobility (ICAM) Program to undertake a two-year statewide mobility management pilot.? The pilot program will expand mobility by helping connect potential riders to a wide range of services and bring organizations together where there are gaps in the transportation network.  
 
"Our administration is committed to increasing transportation options across the state. This grant from the
FTA will help us make critical improvements to make our transportation system more accessible for everyone," said Governor Maura Healey. "We're grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration and FTA for this award and committed to continuing to compete for federal dollars to improve quality of life in Massachusetts."  
 
The $360,000 pilot program will fund a statewide mobility management pilot, including hiring a statewide mobility manager and related contractual and administrative support. The project will cover the entire state, including Justice40 communities. 
 
In 2023, MassDOT conducted an extensive study to explore whether a statewide system of Regional Mobility Managers would benefit older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income people by improving the awareness, availability, accessibility, and efficiency of transportation services for these populations.
 
MassDOT published the study on January 31, 2024.?? While the study looked at how mobility management systems function in other states, the primary focus was a deep dive into exploring the perspectives of on-the-ground practitioners helping people with mobility challenges and low income-navigate the existing transportation systems.? The study found support for a statewide mobility management program–and lays out a series of action steps for MassDOT to pilot this program in a way that complements the work being done by the practitioners on the ground.   
 
Building on the recommendations of the MassDOT Regional Mobility Manager Study, this ICAM grant award will require MassDOT to work closely with a steering committee. This committee already includes partner state agencies that manage statewide programs and initiatives related to aging and disability and assisted MassDOT with the recently completed regional mobility study.   
 

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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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