Patrick Administration Grant to Fund Rail Trail in Haverhill

State Provides $400,000 to Convert Section of Rail Corridor for Recreation

HAVERHILL – Secretary Ian Bowles today announced that he had approved a grant of $400,000 to help the City of Haverhill acquire a soon-to-be abandoned section of railway for recreational trail and greenway. The City intends to use approximately 1.1 miles of rail corridor from the long-dormant “Georgetown Branch” owned by the Boston & Maine and Springfield Terminal railways to create a rail trail running along the south bank of the Merrimack River from the Comeau Bridge to Haverhill Paperboard.

The Bradford Rail Trail Project fits into other regional and state-supported trail efforts under way, linking two MBTA commuter rail stations, in Haverhill and Bradford, and leveraging $2 million in state and federal funds already allocated to the Haverhill Boardwalk on the north side of the Merrimack River in downtown Haverhill. The result will be a 2.5 mile walking loop that provides benefits to Haverhill’s downtown, local merchants, new residents filling Haverhill’s old mills, and tourists.

“Governor Patrick and I are glad to be able to provide state support for this worthy and timely project,” said Secretary Bowles. “The City of Haverhill is working hard to leverage its proud history and the natural beauty of the Merrimack River for a new era. The Bradford Rail Trail will become the latest amenity the City provides residents and visitors.”

“This rails to trails project provides the citizens of Haverhill a scenic and safe way to enjoy the outdoors and is an essential component to the continuing renaissance of the City of Haverhill” said Senator Steven Baddour. “I’d like to thank Secretary Bowles and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for their support and help in moving this project forward and I look forward to continue working with state and local officials to ensure a successful outcome.”

“I am thrilled the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs has chosen to award Haverhill these funds,” said Representative Brian Dempsey. “Acquiring this parcel of land is an important step toward utilizing the Merrimack River for the ongoing development of downtown.”

“I am extremely pleased that the City of Haverhill is receiving these funds from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs,” said Representative Barbara L’Italien. “These funds will assist the City in creating a new recreational area for the citizens to enjoy.”

“These are tough budget times, so it’s always good to see a little extra come Haverhill’s way,” said Representative Harriett Stanley.

House Overwhelmingly Passes Cell Phone Ban

Bill to Establish Hands-Free Driving Regulations

BOSTON-The Massachusetts House of Representatives today overwhelmingly passed a bill that would prohibit the use of cell phones without the use of a hands-free device and ban the sending of text messages while driving.

The bill will make drivers’ use of cell phones without a hands-free device a primary offense punishable by fines ranging from $100-$500 for adult drivers.

“This is a bill that will save lives. When a driver uses a cell phone or text-messaging device, they take their eyes off the road and endanger other motorists. The House acted to safeguard drivers from these negligent behaviors and provide drivers an alternative way to stay in contact using hands-free devices,” said House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi (D-Boston).

“Limiting cell phone use while driving to hands-free technology is a common sense measure intended to enhance public safety. I believe that we will prevent accidents, and most importantly, save lives,” said State Representative Joseph F. Wagner (D-Chicopee), House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Transportation and lead sponsor of the bill.

“Drivers attempting to use handheld cell phones or text message devices while also attempting to steer their vehicles are a danger to not only themselves but to others on the roads. This bill aims to eliminate that danger and stands to greatly increase the safety of our communities and our roads,” said Representative Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover).

Fines for violating the ban are $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense, and $500 for a third offense. For Junior Operators, who will not be allowed to use cell phones while driving at all under the ban, the penalties further include 60-day, 180-day, and one year license suspensions for each subsequent offense.

Drivers will be allowed to use one hand to activate or deactivate the phone, as well as initiate phone calls, under the law. All drivers will be exempt from the ban in case of emergency phone calls, and when pulled over out of all traffic lanes. Emergency personnel, including firefighters, ambulance drivers, and police, will also be exempted from this law at all times.

Under the legislation, if a driver is fined for using a handheld cell phone while driving, the offense will be considered a moving violation and insurance surcharge penalties will apply as of July 1, 2009.

The new law also includes a ban on television screens, DVD players, and portable video game devices that are viewable to the driver.

DEP Water Pollution Abatement Trust Loan

Senator Steven A. Baddour and Representatives Brian S. Dempsey, Harriett L. Stanley and Barbara A. L’Italien have announced that the city of Haverhill will receive a low interest loan funded through the Water Pollution Abatement Trust from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The city will receive a 2% low interest loan in the amount of $600,000. This loan will be used for the planning phase associated with the Landfill Closure. MassDEP financed this project because it was deemed significant in terms of public health and environmental benefit.

“Capping landfill in Haverhill is an important project, and is expected to be very expensive” said Senator Steven A. Baddour. “I am very happy that DEP has chosen to prioritize the landfill closure by providing a low-interest loan to the City of Haverhill to help jump start this project.”

“During this economic climate, it’s advantageous to secure, from the state, such a low interest rate loan that will benefit the city in their plans for this land in the future,” said Representative Dempsey.

Rep. Stanley echoed Rep. Dempsey’s comments, adding “the loan brings Haverhill closer to its goal of putting this land back into use. And with the completion of drum removal at the site just over a year ago, this loan couldn’t come at a better time in the process of accomplishing that goal.”

“This loan from MassDEP will assist the City of Haverhill in moving forward and executing the planning for the Landfill Closure,” said Representative L’Italien.

The Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust was established in 1989 pursuant to Title VI of the Federal Clean Water Act. It was later amended in 1998 to encompass the provisions of Title XIV of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. The Trust’s mission is to fund the implementation of water pollution control and drinking water projects in the Commonwealth through a revolving fund loan program. The Trust administers loan programs that provide funding to cities, towns, other governmental units, and private entities for the purpose of financing improvements to drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.