In today’s daily 5 Things You Need to Know feature, ThisWeekinWorcester.com explores five important items and stories that Worcester and Central Massachusetts residents should keep a close eye on.
These five things can cover a whole range of subjects and issues that we feel are pertinent to understanding what’s going on in the city and the cities and towns surrounding Worcester.
In today’s edition – Thursday, June 18 – Governor Baker introduces the state’s FY21 Capital Investment Plan, a Clark University professor receives a grant for COVID-19 research, the Worcester Railers release their 2020-2021 schedule, Worcester is named a Tree City USA again, and the Barre Police Department wins a “Best Dressed” award.
Governor Introduces $2.46 Billion Investment Plan For MA
Governor Charlie Baker’s office introduced its Capital Investment Plan for fiscal year 2021 with $2.46 billion in spending.
The largest cost included in the plan is for transportation infrastructure. Baker’s multi-year plan has a total cost of $3.7 billion.
The plan also calls for $42.5 million in IT infrastructure improvements across government agencies.
Baker’s plan for preparing for Climate Change and government assets achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 sees $31 million across multiple projects.
Broadband Last Mile to Western MA towns that lack residential broadband service comes with a $9.7 million price tag.
See the full FY21 Capital Investment Plan on the state’s website.
Clark Professor Awarded $200k for COVID-19 Research
Clark University Physics Professor Dr. Arshad Kudrolli has received a $200,000 grant to study COVID-19 transmission.
Kudrolli is the first faculty member at Clark to receive funding for COVID-19 related research.
The funds are issued through a grant for Rapid Response Research from the National Science Foundation.
Railers Announce 2020-21 Schedule
After a pandemic shortened 2019-2020 season, the Worcester Railers are rolling out their plans for this fall’s upcoming season.
The Railers’ home opener is Saturday, October 24 featuring a double-header — the Boston Bruins Alumni game will be before the Railers host the Brampton Beast at 7:05 PM.
Other special events during the season include Worcester Ice Cats night on Nov. 7, Star Wars Night on Jan. 30 and Pink in the Rink on Feb. 13.
See the full Railers schedule on the team website.
Worcester Recognized by Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation has name Worcester Tree City USA for the 34th year in a row.
Recognition as Tree City USA requires meeting four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observation or proclamation.
Worcester has $1.7 million in the budget for the current fiscal year for green infrastructure. The city has planted more than 1200 trees in the past five years.
Barre Police Win “Best Dressed” Officers Award
The Barre Police Department took home a special award from the North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors [NAUMD].
The department was named Best Dressed Law Enforcement with a department of less than 100 members.
“The uniforms worn by the officers of the Barre Police Department score high in appearance, functionality and comfort,” NAUMD wrote.
For the full list of winners, click here.
