Governor Announces Funding to Enhance Transit in Berkshire County

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BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced a portion of the over $14.8 million awarded through MassDOT's Fiscal Year 2025 Community Transit Grant Program (CTGP) will benefit Berkshire County.
 
The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority was awarded funding for two fully accessible vehicles, and the South County Connector received funding for one fully accessible vehicle. These vehicles will enhance mobility for older adults and people with disabilities in the region.
 
"Our administration is committed to increasing travel options for seniors and people with disabilities across the Commonwealth, and this includes ensuring that Berkshire County residents have access to reliable transportation," said Governor Maura Healey.
 
This year's applications for CTGP funding were competitive, with 54 organizations requesting a total of 250 vehicles.??Winning awardees were selected with a focus on organizations replacing older and high-mileage vehicles to maintain a state of good repair, along with compelling stories from applicants to expand fleets where need has increased.  
 
MassDOT's Rail and Transit Division manages the Community Transit Grant Program annually. In addition to the vehicle cycle, organizations can also apply for operating and mobility management projects. The Fiscal Year 2025 CTGP operating and mobility management awards are funded with both Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 funding, as well as state Mobility Assistance Program (MAP) funding. Applicants can request a range of minivans and cutaway vehicles, varying in size to accommodate a range of fleet needs. All models are wheelchair-accessible.  
 
Vehicles available through this grant program include a 6-passenger minivan with ramp, 6-passenger electric minivan with lift, 8-passenger cutaway with lift, 12-passenger cutaway with lift, 14-passenger cutaway with lift, 16-passenger cutaway with lift, and 14-passenger low-floor minibus with ramp.  
 
According to federal rules, federal 5310 funds can pay for up to 85 percent of the cost of each vehicle.? Massachusetts' Councils on Aging, nonprofits, and municipalities must pay a 15% match. The state's 15 Regional Transit Authorities are eligible for fully-funded vehicles with state MAP funds providing a 15 percent match.  

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Pittsfield Park Getting Basketball Court Renovations

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The basketball courts at Dorothy Amos Park will see some renovations for players of all ages who use them.  

On Thursday, the Conservation Commission OK'd court paving and repainting on the property at 320 West St. One of the courts will be milled, and all three will be repainted. 

The park, which also has a playground and seating areas, is along the West Branch of the Housatonic River, and the work requires ConCom approval. Dorothy Amos Park is a popular recreation spot in the West Side neighborhood, and is home to the Beat the Streets youth summer basketball league. 

Conservation Agent Shannon Poulin reported concern about a tree with roots growing through one of the courts, and that the tree will more than likely need to be cut down. 

"Other than that, I mean, the courts already exist, and it's just an upgrade," she said. 

Commissioner Jonathan Lothrop commented that he has seen roots become a problem long after the tree is removed. As a taxpayer, he would like to see the tree's root system removed to avoid spending more money on it in the future. 

Work was approved with two special conditions: all materials are stored outside of the resource areas, and erosion controls are to be placed along the fence line before work begins.

In other news, commissioners issued 20 orders of conditions for the filling of an isolated wetland on property located at 100 Dan Fox Drive, or Bousquet Sport.  

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