Lee, Becket Awarded Federal Transportation Funding

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey announced that Massachusetts has successfully secured $153 million in additional federal transportation funding for 16 MassDOT and MBTA projects across the state. 

In Berkshire County, Lee was awarded $5.44 million for resurfacing and related work on Route 20. The limits of this project will begin at MM 20.28.

Becket was awarded $4.27 million for ledge and embankment stabilization along Route 8. Throughout the District, ledge out-croppings and exposed rock faces are adjacent to State Highway at various locations. Some of these areas were created when the highways were originally built, reconstructed or widened; or when natural events, such as Tropical Storm Irene, exposed natural rock slopes to additional weathering and erosion. Many of these locations pose a potential safety hazard from falling rock or slope failure, which could injure highway users or shut down some sections of State Highway for an extended time. Highway closures at many of these locations would result in lengthy detours, affecting regional commuting and commerce. This proposed contract would design site-specific improvements to address safety issues related to exposed or falling rock at these locations.

The funding comes through the Federal Highway Administration's annual redistribution process, which makes federal transportation dollars available when other states and programs are unable to use them. Because Massachusetts had eligible projects ready to move forward, MassDOT and the MBTA were able to compete for these additional dollars and bring them to Massachusetts.

"We go after every federal dollar available because every dollar we bring back to Massachusetts means we can do more for our residents and communities," said Governor Maura Healey. "This $153 million will help us improve roads and bridges, make it safer to walk and bike, and invest in public transportation across the state. We're going to keep competing for these opportunities and putting every available resource to work to make transportation better in Massachusetts."

Each year, the Federal Highway Administration redistributes funding that other states and federal programs are unable to use before the end of the federal fiscal year. States that have eligible projects ready to advance can request that funding. MassDOT and the MBTA worked together to identify projects that could meet federal requirements and put the additional funding to use quickly.

Greenagers Founder Will Conklin Honored as Business Person of the Year

By Breanna Steele12:17PM / Saturday, October 03, 2026

Casey Pease of state Sen. Paul Mark's office presents William Conklin, right, with a state Senate proclamation.

EGREMONT, Mass. — The Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce honored a local businessman and nonprofit leader on Sept. 24 at Catamount Mountain Resort.

 

William Conklin was this year's Business Person of the Year, recognizing his work as founder and executive director of Greenagers, a nonprofit that helps youth and children engage in work in environmental conservation, sustainable farming, natural resource management, and vocational skills building. 

 

Conklin and his family also run Sky View Farm and he is a managing partner of Konkapot Tree and Timber, a small-scale forest products business.

 

"If you spent any amount of time in Southern Berkshire, chances are you've heard his name, whether you realize the connection at the time or not," said board member Sierra King Watson, who emceed the event. "You might be having a conversation about farming, a new barn or structure that was built, students learning hands-on skills in sustainable agriculture, or a family that receives donated firewood to help keep their home warm through a cold Berkshire winter, or maybe you're simply talking about one of those community leaders who somehow manages to show up, support everyone, and seemingly be everywhere all at once.

 

"Well, one name has a way of continuously popping up, and that is Will Conklin."

 

Board President Mark Rulison said the region has more than 1,200 nonprofits. One in four jobs in the county is in the nonprofit sector, which ranks 27th nationally for nonprofit employment. He said the economic impact on the community is huge, thanking those who help.

 

For the event on Thursday, Conklin requested that as much of the food as possible was sourced locally. Most of it came from Greenagers, Sky View Farm, Indian Line Farm and Fancy Feast Supper Club, creative dinner series.