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News

Board Members Lead Advocacy 

In late September 2023, 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. 
U.S. Representative McGovern: 413-341-8700 mcgovern.house.gov/contact (choose Email Me)Senator Markey: 413-785-4610 markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion   Senator Warren: 413-788-2690 warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion

Bridge Project Takes Funding Hit

The Recorder, Published, January 17, 2023

Of course the news about Schell Bridge not receiving a RURAL grant is hugely disappointing, after the tremen- dous participation of Northfield residents in the planning process not to mention the decades of efforts by the Friends of Schell Bridge on behalf of the river crossing, but I feel sure this project will continue. The combined history and practical purpose of this bridge makes it a compelling resource to pursue. We hope to meet soon with both local and state people who can help us assess our options. We are tremendously grateful to Sen. Comerford for her sup- port and leadership. We should remember that the bidding process for this project was held at the crux of unprec- edented factors: pandemic supply chain and labor issues, inflation due to pandemic and international war disrup- tions, and others. We are eager to figure out the next best steps to help this project come to reality.

For background I am a member of the Northfield Town Advisory Committee on Schell Bridge and, while I will not continue in this role into the future, I have been the chair of that group.
— Judy Wagner