Board Members Lead Advocacy
In late September, grant application for the “Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods” was submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Following on the advice of Anne Gobi at the 2023 Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors launched a campaign for contacting the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation for support. Emails, via Constant Contact, were sent to FSB members with suggested script and contact information; there was outreach to town committees and businesses. Several board members joined a zoom conference with staffers from the offices of Senators Markey and Warren to make the case and raise greater awareness of the bridge project. This outreach was initiated and organized by officials from the Town of Northfield, during which FSB provided history, positive impacts, and summarized Rails to Trails projects in MA. Town Administration gave supporting data and information. Your support and advocacy is vital to realizing the vision of a river crossing that connects East and West, promoting recreational tourism, economic development, and low carbon transportation.
Below is contact information for you to lend your voice.
|
The above graphic is a representation of the profile of the design. The graphic below is a layout of the construction area, showing the two paths to the bridge, the two parking locations, and the small park location.
|
massDOT, the builder of the bridge, plans to provide comprehensive historical commemoration of the old, historic Schell Bridge, Below is one representation of what part of this historic attention could be.
|
The next step of the detailed design is expected to be completed the 75% design, to be available in the spring of 2021. The 100% design stage is expected in the fall of 2021, with construction to start in the spring of 2022. Stay tuned!
|
|
