Issue Position: Transportation

Issue Position

I WILL FIGHT TO INCREASE PVTA FUNDING

Safe, reliable, affordable, convenient and reliable transportation is essential to the well-being of our region. Our district's residents depend on the PVTA for access medical care, education, and economic and social opportunities. A solid transportation infrastructure makes our region attractive to economic investment. With other Western Massachusetts legislators, I will work hard to protect PVTA funding from being slashed by the Governor, as he has repeatedly tried to do. In fact, I will fight to increase funding to expand service and to make the long-term investment to electrify the PVTA.

WE MUST IMPROVE RAILWAYS TO EXPAND ACCESS TO THE REGION

Investing in our infrastructure is essential. Our district lies between both Boston and Albany and Brattleboro, Hartford, New Haven, and New York. By expanding rail service to connect us to these hubs we will increase opportunities for commercial and cultural activity.

I firmly support building an east-west rail between Springfield and Boston, which is currently proposed for study by the MaDOT, after years of advocacy by Senator Eric Lesser. I think we should take the extra step of making this line electric-powered to further reduce our carbon footprint. This line will allow people to live in Western Massachusetts and work or study in Boston--and vice versa--preventing "brain drain" and promoting economic development in our area. It's a greener and more human-friendly option than sitting on the Mass Pike for hours.

Improving north-south service to New York would complete our connection to the major cities in our region, benefiting economic development. The Pioneer Valley has so much to offer--people just need to be able to get here!

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