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Daily Update 8/6: Commitment to Rail and Public Safety

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Thursday, August 6, 2009

Today: Thursday, August 6, 2009

  • This morning, Governor Patrick made an economic recovery announcement relative to public safety at the Main Fire House in Arlington.
  • Governor Patrick appears on “Ask the Governor” on WTKK 96.9 FM. Listen live here.
  • This evening, Governor Patrick hosts a town hall meeting at the Chicopee Public Library Amphitheater.

In the Press:

 

Governor Patrick announcing the South Coast Rail Economic Development and Land Use Corridor Plan at the
Whaling Museum in New Bedford yesterday.

 

  1. Commitment to South Coast Rail – Yesterday, as part of the Patrick-Murray Administration’s Massachusetts Recovery Plan to secure the state’s economic future, Governor Patrick released the South Coast Rail Economic Development and Land Use Corridor Plan. The report notes the significant job creation, economic development and environmental benefits the project will bring to the region and illustrates the Patrick-Murray Administration’s commitment to making the South Coast Rail a reality. “…Patrick's actions on the project have surpassed any others' to date. He set a plausible time line and appointed a full-time project manager who has shepherded the planning at public meetings and behind the scenes…Patrick's commitment has stayed remarkably firm...” Read more from the New Bedford Standard Times’ editorial "Full Steam Ahead."

 

Lt. Governor Murray at the South Coast Rail announcement yesterday.

 

  • Commitment to Public Safety – Moving to help communities impacted by layoffs and high rates of attrition, Governor Deval Patrick today said he will direct $20 million in federal stimulus funds to municipal fire departments across the Commonwealth. This announcement is on top of $45 million in previously committed ARRA funding going directly from the federal government to municipal police departments across the state. In total, $71 million in federal recovery funds are being directed to local public safety officials who continue to face difficult budget challenges caused by the unprecedented global economic downturn. “These funds will help local police and fire departments keep professionals on the job, and the public's safety preserved,” said Governor Patrick. Learn more here.

 

Governor Patrick talks with fire fighters in Arlington this morning.

  • Governor to Undergo Hip Surgery – Governor Patrick has announced that he is scheduled to undergo hip replacement surgery on September 1st. The surgery will be performed at Massachusetts General Hospital by Dr. Harry E. Rubash. The surgery is necessitated by consistent pain caused in part by arthritis and a longtime pre-existing injury. It is expected that after a brief post-surgical recovery period of approximately 48 hours, the Governor will be able to resume his official duties.  In the interim Lt. Governor Timothy Murray will execute any duties that are time sensitive in nature. The Governor is expected to be hospitalized for approximately four days followed by recuperation at home. Read more in the Boston Globe and on WBZ. Watch more on NECN.

This Week:

  • On Saturday morning, Governor Patrick attended the Boston Basketball League Championship at Iacono Park.
  • On Saturday, Governor Patrick attended the Steven P. Odom Peace Charity Tournament in Roxbury.
  • Sunday, Governor Patrick traveled to North Central Massachusetts to participate in a Creative Economy Tourism Roundtable at Fitchburg State College and meet with the Sentinel & Enterprise editorial board.
  • Monday, Governor Patrick met with participants in a youth summer jobs program in Leominster.
  • Tuesday, Governor Patrick held a town hall meeting at the Groton Public Library Gazebo. Learn more about the Governor’s Summer Town Hall Tour here.
  • Yesterday, Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray met with the New Bedford Standard Times editorial board and the Fall River Herald News editorial board.
  • Also yesterday, Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray joined Congressmen Jim McGovern and Barney Frank in New Bedford to make an announcement relative to the South Coast Rail project.