BRTA Awarded Grant to Expand Service Area

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) with the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) and Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA) were awarded a $1,577,607 Regional Transit Authority(RTA) grant to facilitate connections between the PVTA and FRTA service areas.
 
The grant will support commuter service between Pittsfield and Northampton, service between North Adams and Greenfield, and increased frequency on current service between Greenfield and Northampton, announced the Healey-Driscoll Administration in a press release Tuesday.
 
"Residents across our state rely on Regional Transit Authorities to get to work, school, the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, and more. This funding will increase service options and make commutes easier, in addition to our recent investment to make service free at most RTAs," said Governor Maura Healey. "Our administration is committed to prioritizing improvements to transportation infrastructure and quality of life in our communities." 
 
The BRTA partnership with PVTA and FRTA will launch in 2025 once MassDOT completes repairs on the intercity coaches the RTAs will use for this service. 
 
This is part of $10 million in funding to nine RTAs for 10 projects that increase connections between transit routes and service areas throughout the state. The grants will allow RTAs to pilot new expansions, continue promising pilots, and improve existing connections.  
 
 
 

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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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