West Stockbridge Awarded Complete Streets Funding

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WEST STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — MassDOT awarded the town $112,612 for pedestrian improvements at the Swamp Road/Main Street intersection.
 
The project includes the relocation of a crosswalk, the installation of ADA-compliant curb ramps, and improvement at the intersection for drivers by building permanent bollards to better direct turns.
 
The project will also improve the walkability at the Depot Street Municipal Parking Lot by building a pedestrian zone and a new sidewalk segment while also relocating a crosswalk to better connect visitors parking in the lot to the town sidewalk.
 
The Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded over $4.5 million to 11 communities as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 Round 1 of grants for the Complete Streets Funding Program.
 
These grant awards will be used by recipient municipalities to fund local multimodal infrastructure projects that improve travel for pedestrians, public transit users, bicyclists and people using other forms of transportation. 
 
A Complete Street enables safe, convenient, and comfortable travel for users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation. Administered by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), the Complete Streets Funding Program aims to teach communities about Complete Streets and encourage the integration of Complete Streets into regular local planning practices. Of the 11 projects selected, 8 will benefit Environmental
Justice communities. 
 
The MassDOT Complete Streets Funding Program was launched in 2016 and provides technical assistance and construction funding to eligible municipalities to plan and implement Complete Streets. Prior to this round, the Complete Streets Funding Program has awarded 278 construction project grants across the Commonwealth, totaling over $100 million. 
 
Municipalities may apply for up to $500,000 in construction project funding in one application. Examples of project elements that can be implemented through the program include sidewalks, multimodal paths, bicycle lanes, improved street lighting, and pedestrian signalization at crosswalks or intersections. 
 
 
 

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Butternut Fire Command Terminated After 2 Weeks

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — After about two weeks of working to contain the Butternut Fire, the incident command has ended.

"I am extremely proud of the leadership and firefighters that put forth such extraordinary work to bring this incident to a close," Town Manager Mark Pruhenski said in a press release issued on Sunday.

"It has been a long time since Great Barrington has seen such an incident, the collaboration between all of the agencies was impressive."

On Sunday around 2 p.m., Fire Chief Scott Turner made the decision because "based on weather changes, fuel conditions, and the monumental work of our firefighters and mutual aid, the fire is clearly under control and not expected to spread any further."

He added that Great Barrington's homes and businesses are safe. The wooded area is expected to remain dangerous for months but should regenerate in the spring.

The fire spread because of the extremely dry conditions over the past few months; some rain the week before followed by snow and sleet over the holiday had helped with containment efforts.

Personnel and apparatuses that had been in place 24/7 since Nov. 18 were released but the department will remain ready to respond to any extension or minor growth.

The fire consumed 1,670 acres, spanning over 3 miles in length with a perimeter of more than 10 miles.  Fire Lt. Brian Mead said the wildfire's potential for devastation far exceeded what firefighters were able to contain and not a single home or structure was damaged nor firefighter injured.

"At the end of an incident of this magnitude that has such risk, that is without a doubt, a victory," he said.

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