Special to The Bedford Citizen
A plan proposed by Representative Ken Gordon (D-Bedford) to fund a shuttle to take workers from Lowell to fill current job openings in Burlington and Bedford was included in the legislature’s economic development bill that unanimously passed the legislature on the last day of session and was sent to the governor’s desk. The proposal will help the Middlesex 3 Coalition start up the shuttle service with $142,000in funding.
The bill, supported in the senate by conference committee member Senator Eileen Donoghue (D-Lowell), as well as Senators Ken Donnelly (D-Arlington) and Mike Barrett (D-Bedford was considered to be one of the “big six” pieces of legislation prioritized this session by the legislature. The conference committee was charged with negotiating the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill.
The House version of the bill had included funding for the Middlesex 3 shuttle after Representative Gordon filed a successful amendment alongside the Lowell delegation which includes Reps Rady Mom, Thomas Golden, and David Nangle.
“I am delighted that the Senate members of the Conference Committee, especially Senator Donahue, accepted the House version of this program after hearing from Senators Barrett and Donnelly,” said Representative Gordon. “Our district has seen an economic burst in the past few years with businesses lining up to move into Bedford and Burlington. These new businesses have created the need for new retail stores and restaurants that are having trouble filing positions without public transportation available to employees. We see a shuttle service as a solution that not only helps employers find and retain employees, but reduces the need for cars that would increase traffic on our roads.”
“Shuttle service between Lowell and Burlington and Bedford is critical for our regional economic development,” said Stephanie Cronin, the Executive Director of Middlesex 3.“We have seen significant growth along Route 3 and by this providing shuttle service, we will be able to connect people to the available jobs — especially jobs in the restaurant and retail areas.”
The concept behind the shuttle service is to give a jump start to the program between Lowell and Bedford and Burlington, which will then be funded by areas businesses once it is up and running.
The Economic Development bill was originally filed by Governor Baker this session before being reviewed by multiple Committees and passing through the Legislature. The bill also includes $500 million in authorized borrowing for the MassWorks infrastructure program, and additional funding for career and technical education as well as a new tax deduction intended to encourage more families to save for college tuition. The Governor is expected to sign the legislation within the 10 day window allotted him in the Commonwealth’s Constitution.
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