Governor Announces Funding to Enhance Transit in Berkshire County

07:45AM / Monday, May 19, 2025Print Story | Email Story

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.

Tags: BRTA, MassDOT,

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Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action.

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature."

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures.

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis.

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.

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