Governor Announces Funding to Enhance Transit in Berkshire County

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BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced a portion of the over $14.8 million awarded through MassDOT's Fiscal Year 2025 Community Transit Grant Program (CTGP) will benefit Berkshire County.
 
The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority was awarded funding for two fully accessible vehicles, and the South County Connector received funding for one fully accessible vehicle. These vehicles will enhance mobility for older adults and people with disabilities in the region.
 
"Our administration is committed to increasing travel options for seniors and people with disabilities across the Commonwealth, and this includes ensuring that Berkshire County residents have access to reliable transportation," said Governor Maura Healey.
 
This year's applications for CTGP funding were competitive, with 54 organizations requesting a total of 250 vehicles.??Winning awardees were selected with a focus on organizations replacing older and high-mileage vehicles to maintain a state of good repair, along with compelling stories from applicants to expand fleets where need has increased.  
 
MassDOT's Rail and Transit Division manages the Community Transit Grant Program annually. In addition to the vehicle cycle, organizations can also apply for operating and mobility management projects. The Fiscal Year 2025 CTGP operating and mobility management awards are funded with both Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 funding, as well as state Mobility Assistance Program (MAP) funding. Applicants can request a range of minivans and cutaway vehicles, varying in size to accommodate a range of fleet needs. All models are wheelchair-accessible.  
 
Vehicles available through this grant program include a 6-passenger minivan with ramp, 6-passenger electric minivan with lift, 8-passenger cutaway with lift, 12-passenger cutaway with lift, 14-passenger cutaway with lift, 16-passenger cutaway with lift, and 14-passenger low-floor minibus with ramp.  
 
According to federal rules, federal 5310 funds can pay for up to 85 percent of the cost of each vehicle.? Massachusetts' Councils on Aging, nonprofits, and municipalities must pay a 15% match. The state's 15 Regional Transit Authorities are eligible for fully-funded vehicles with state MAP funds providing a 15 percent match.  

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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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