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Governor Charlie Baker, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito and their cabinet secretaries convened in Worcester on Friday, June 24, for their weekly cabinet meeting, before hitting the roads of Central Massachusetts to showcase initiatives, announce grants, and gather feedback as part of the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to making every part of Massachusetts a great community.

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $10 Million for Sewer System Improvements in Worcester and Shrewsbury

Lt. Governor Polito began the day with Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton and local officials from Worcester and Shrewsbury to announce funding for sewer infrastructure improvements along Route 20.

The City of Worcester will receive $3.5 million this year and $3.5 million next year from the Environmental Bond Bill as well as a one-time installment of $3 million from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The City will match those funds with $10 million in order to re-route, extend and expand the capacity of the limited sewer system currently serving the Route 20 area.

“This project has the rare distinction of bringing both huge economic and environmental benefits to the city of Worcester and the region,” said City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. “Thank you to the Baker-Polito Administration for once again demonstrating its commitment to our city and its economic wellbeing.”

Cabinet Meeting held a University of Massachusetts Medical School

Joined by members of the Cabinet, elected and local officials, as well as faculty from UMass Medical School, Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito held their weekly cabinet meeting on the campus of UMass Medical School. Economic development in the Worcester area and around Central Massachusetts, as well as the opioid epidemic, were both significant points of discussion. Each cabinet secretary gave presentations spotlighting Central Massachusetts initiatives.

Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito spend some time with the Auburn Police

Governor Baker breaks ground on water pipeline, hydropower turbine at fish hatchery

Governor Baker and Secretary Beaton joined anglers and state and local officials at the McLaughlin Fish Hatchery in Belchertown to celebrate the construction of a nearly mile-long water pipeline and hydropower turbine that will supply six million gallons of water daily to the hatchery, produce renewable energy and reduce the hatchery’s electric demand.

“This really is a home run, because it covers four bases,” said Massachusetts Water Resources Authority director Fred Laskey. “It will increase the flows downriver, eliminate the threat to the hatchery from warm water, eliminate the need for pumping, and allow us to create electricity from the water coming through the dam at the Quabbin.”

“Massachusetts is a national leader in clean energy and energy efficiency and our state agencies are leading the way with innovative projects like the McLaughlin Hatchery Pipeline,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson. “DOER is committed to working with our partners across the Commonwealth to expand clean and renewable energy solutions that save taxpayer dollars.”

Currently, the McLaughlin Fish Hatchery pumps water directly to its water distribution system from the Swift River. However, because trout prefer cold water, warm river temperatures during the hot summer months affects trout production. The new pipeline will deliver water from the cold, deep bottom of the Quabbin Reservoir, providing consistently coldwater temperatures that will enhance the hatchery’s capacity to raise trout.

“This is a terrific example of state agencies working together in innovative ways,” said State Representative Todd Smola (R-Warren). “It seems fitting that cold water from the Quabbin will be used to raise trout that will go to stock the reservoir later on.”

$8.5 Million in Workforce Training Grants Awarded

More than $8.47 million in Workforce Training Grant funds have been awarded to 101 companies, enabling the businesses to train current or newly hired workers. Lt. Governor Polito announced the grants in North Brookfield at Vibram USA, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of high performance shoe soles, outdoor products, and FiveFingers athletic shoes.

More than 6,200 individuals will receive training at their workplace. The Workforce Training Fund is an important tool in assisting Massachusetts businesses in becoming more competitive by investing in the skills of their workers. The Workforce Training Fund is also a vital resource to thousands of Massachusetts workers who wish to advance their skills to achieve promotional opportunities and higher wages.

Cabinet Secretaries showcase initiatives, announce grants

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