The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is pleased to announce a Salt Marsh Restoration and Monitoring Grant Opportunity for academic, governmental, quasi-governmental, and non-profit entities. Applications are due by 5:00 PM EST on July 11, 2025.

This grant supports ecological restoration and monitoring projects in Massachusetts salt marshes to enhance their ability to sequester carbon, control flooding, provide habitat, and improve climate resilience. Funded activities may include baseline assessments, restoration design, construction and post-construction monitoring for salt marsh restoration projects involving techniques such as ditch remediation, runneling, sediment augmentation, tidal restriction removal, and vegetation planting.

This grant opportunity, funded through the Climate Mitigation Trust Fund, aims to improve scientific understanding of restoration practices, support innovation, and strengthen climate adaptation outcomes in the Commonwealth’s salt marsh ecosystems.

Eligible projects may involve:

• Ditch remediation, runneling, marsh mound creation
• Sediment augmentation (thin-layer placement)
• Vegetation planting
• Tidal restriction removal and monitoring
• Crab herbivory prevention
• Stormwater management benefiting marshes

Program Details:

• Maximum Award: $400,000 per project over two years
• Deadline: July 11, 2025, 5:00 PM EST
• Submission: Via COMMBUYS or email to [email protected]

To learn more and apply, visit the COMMBUYS listing or see attached Request for Response. 

RMV OFFICIAL STATEMENT

The option for remote (virtual) Driver’s Education classes will be extended through the summer and will transition back to in-person education only starting September 22, 2025.

Effective September 22, a live instructor will be required to teach all classes, including the parent class.  There will be a maximum of 30 students per class (for a student/teacher ratio of 30:1).

This change will result in enhanced student engagement, stronger learning outcomes, equal opportunities for all schools, and improved road safety.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) are pleased to announce that the FY26 round of funding for the Destination Development Capital Grant program is open. DDC Grants are designed to support projects that expand, construct, restore, or renovate Massachusetts tourism destinations and attractions. Approximately $6 million will be available to non-profit and municipal applicants, as authorized in the Mass Leads Act and appropriated in the Commonwealth's capital plan. 

Projects that advance climate resilience, promote the state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American Independence, relate to nature-based, agricultural, and/or rural tourism, or are located within a designated Cultural District may receive priority consideration. 

More information and the program application can be found at https://mott.submittable.com/submit/327735/fy-2026-destination-development-capital-grants. An informational webinar will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4 via Zoom. Please use this link to join: https://zoom.us/j/92064161418.

The SRF Loan Program offers affordable financing options to cities, towns, and public water utilities to improve water supply infrastructure and drinking water safety. The program helps with federal and state water quality requirements of wastewater treatment plants and collection systems; issues related to watershed management priorities, stormwater management, and green infrastructure; and financial assistance to communities to make loans available to homeowners with septic system problems. Project Evaluation Forms/applications for the 2026 Intended Use Plan will be accepted until 12:00PM on July 25, 2025.

More information on the SRF program can be found on MassDEP’s website, including information from past briefings and presentations on SRF programming.

The MBTA today announced service changes in June on the Orange, Red, Green, Blue, Framingham/Worcester, and Franklin/Foxboro lines. 

Riders can find more information on service changes through in-station signage, in-station public announcements, and at mbta.com/PlannedWork. Transit Ambassadors and MBTA staff will be available on-site to offer information and assistance during these service changes. Riders are encouraged to subscribe to T-Alerts or to follow the MBTA on X @MBTA, @MBTA_CR, and @MBTA_CR_Alerts for up-to-date service information.  

On the Orange Line: 

• Orange Line service will be suspended in the following areas  all day, every day, during the following dates:
  • For three days, Friday, May 30, through Sunday, June 1, between North Station and Forest Hills, as previously announced.
  • For nine days, June 21 – 29:
    • During the weekends of June 21 – 22 and June 28 – 29 between North Station and Forest Hills
    • On weekdays June 23 – 27 between Back Bay and Forest Hills
  • During the weekend dates:
    • Free and accessible shuttle buses will make all stops between Forest Hills and Back Bay as well as Copley on the Green Line for parallel service through downtown to North Station.
    • The Green Line C Branch will also be extended to serve North Station during this time period.
    • An accessible van will directly serve stations between North Station and Back Bay as well as Copley on the Green Line. Riders should see onsite personnel to request this van service.
  • During the weekday dates:
    • Free and accessible shuttle buses will make all stops between Back Bay and Forest Hills
  • During all service change dates:
    • The Commuter Rail will be fare-free between Forest Hills, Ruggles, Back Bay, and South Station. Riders should note that regular fares should be purchased beyond Forest Hills.

• This service change is in place to accomplish signal upgrade work on the Orange Line. By upgrading its signals, the MBTA expects to significantly increase operational efficiency and improve scheduling reliability for all riders.

On the Red Line:

• Red Line Braintree Branch service between Braintree and JFK/UMass will be replaced with free and accessible shuttle bus service during the following dates:
  • The weekend of May 31 – June 1, as previously announced. 
  • The weekend of June 14 – 15.
  • Free and accessible shuttle bus service will make all stops between Braintree and JFK/UMass.  
    • Riders using shuttle buses during this service change should budget ample extra travelling time. 
  • Riders are strongly encouraged to use the Fall River/New Bedford, Kingston, and Greenbush Commuter Rail lines for fare-free service between Braintree, Quincy Center, JFK/UMass, and South Station. Commuter Rail schedules are available on mbta.com. 
    • Riders should note that regular Commuter Rail fares will be collected for travel beyond Braintree. 
  • This service change is in place to accomplish signal upgrade work on the Red Line. By upgrading its signals, the MBTA expects to significantly increase operational efficiency and improve scheduling reliability for all riders.

On the Green Line: 

• Green Line service will be suspended between North Station and Babcock Street on the B Branch, Kenmore on the C and D Branches, and Heath Street on the E Branch beginning at approximately 8 PM on Wednesday, June 4, and continuing all day, every day, for four days June 5 – 8.
   
  • B Branch: Free and accessible shuttle buses will operate between Babcock Street and Back Bay stations.  

• Riders can connect to the Orange Line at Back Bay for continued service through downtown toward North Station.   

• • • There will be free fares at Kenmore with the fare gates open. Riders can also utilize free Route 57 bus service for alternate travel between Kenmore and Packard’s Corner.
    • Fares will also be free at all surface-level stops west of Kenmore.
       
  • C Branch: Free and accessible shuttle buses will operate between Kenmore and Back Bay stations.  
    • Riders can connect to the Orange Line at Back Bay for continued service through downtown toward North Station.  
    • There will be free fares at Kenmore with the fare gates open. Fares will also be free at all surface-level stops west of Kenmore. 
       
  • D Branch: Free and accessible shuttle buses will operate between Kenmore and Back Bay stations.  
    • Riders can connect to the Orange Line at Back Bay for continued service through downtown toward North Station.  
    • There will be free fares at Kenmore and Riverside with the fare gates open. Fares will also be free at all surface-level stops west of Kenmore. 
  • E Branch: The Route 39 will replace Green Line E Branch service between Heath Street and Back Bay stations. The route will be fare-free during this service change. 
  • Accessible van service will be available for Green Line stops between Copley/Back Bay and North Station.
  • The Worcester Commuter Rail Line will be fare-free between South Station, Back Bay, and Lansdowne stations during this Green Line service change. Riders should note that regular fares should be purchased beyond Lansdowne and regular fares should be purchased if traveling on a Commuter Rail Line other than the Worcester Line. 
  • This service change is in place to perform regular, planned maintenance work. This maintenance work will address routine needs, ensure that all infrastructure is in peak operating condition, and includes inspections, adjustments, and repairs to keep the system safe and running smoothly. 

On the Blue Line:

• Blue Line service will be suspended between Bowdoin and Orient Heights all day, every day, for nine days June 7 – 15.
  • Free and accessible shuttle buses will make stops at all stations between Government Center and Orient Heights with the exception of Airport.
    • Airport Station will be closed during this service change. The busway at Airport will remain open – signage will be in place to direct riders from the Bremen Street entrance to the busway for Massport buses, the SL3, 104, and Blue Line shuttle. A courtesy stop will also be available at Chelsea Street @ Brooks Street to connect community residents to the Blue Line shuttle.
    • Shuttle buses will not service Bowdoin during this service change. Riders should instead board or disembark shuttle buses at Government Center, which is less than a quarter-mile away (or about a four-minute walk).
    • Shuttle buses will also serve Haymarket in the inbound/Government Center-bound direction only for connections to the Orange and Green lines. Additionally, shuttle buses will serve Aquarium and State in the inbound/Government Center-bound direction only.

• • Accessible van service will be available for direct service to all affected stations. Riders should see onsite personnel to request this van service.
  • The fare gates will be open for fare-free service at Orient Heights, Suffolk Downs, Beachmont, Revere Beach, and Wonderland.
  • Riders traveling between Maverick and downtown Boston are strongly encouraged to use the East Boston Ferry, which will be free for the duration of this service change. The East Boston Ferry will have an expanded schedule during this period. Ferry schedules can be found on mbta.com/eastboston. The East Boston Ferry operates every 30 minutes and is a 10-minute ride between Long Wharf and Lewis Mall in East Boston.
  • This service change is in place to perform regular, planned maintenance work. This maintenance work will address routine needs, ensure that all infrastructure is in peak operating condition, and includes inspections, adjustments, and repairs to keep the system safe and running smoothly. 

 On the Framingham/Worcester Commuter Rail Line: 

• Framingham/Worcester Commuter Rail Line service will be suspended between Framingham and South Station during the following dates:

• Beginning at approximately 11 PM on Friday, May 30, through the weekend of May 31 – June 1, as previously announced.

• Beginning at approximately 11 PM on Friday, June 20, and through the weekend of June 21 – 22. 

• A dedicated diversion schedule will be available on mbta.com. 

• Community members aiming to travel to and from downtown Boston during the weekend work are strongly encouraged to utilize the MBTA’s shuttle bus alternatives. Major traffic delays are anticipated for motorists on portions of I-90 and I-95/Route 128.

• Free and accessible shuttle bus service will replace train service between Framingham and Riverside on the Green Line D branch for continued service to and from downtown Boston. 

• Shuttle buses will serve Framingham, West Natick, Natick Center, Wellesley Square, Wellesley Hills, and Auburndale with a connection to Riverside. 

• For passengers who typically board at South Station, take the Red Line subway at South Station northbound/Alewife-bound to Park Street. Then connect to the Green Line D branch westbound/outbound to Riverside to connect to shuttle bus service. 

• For passengers who typically disembark at South Station, disembark shuttle buses at Riverside for inbound/eastbound Green Line service to Park Street and other downtown Boston connections. At Park Street, connect to the Red Line southbound/Ashmont- or Braintree-bound to South Station.  

• An additional free and accessible shuttle bus service will operate between West Newton, Newtonville, Boston Landing, and Kenmore where riders can use the Green Line B, C, and D branches.   

• Passengers who typically board Commuter Rail service at Lansdowne should instead travel to Kenmore (which is about a quarter mile or a six-minute walk) for shuttle bus service or to connect to the Green Line B, C, and D branches for further Red Line connections toward South Station
• Passengers should also note that Commuter Rail service between Worcester and Framingham will be fare-free during this service change. 

• This service change is in place due to work taking place on MassDOT’s Newton-Weston Bridge replacement and rehabilitation project.  

On the Franklin/Foxboro Commuter Rail Line: 

• Franklin/Foxboro Commuter Rail Line service will be suspended between Forge Park/495 and Readville during the weekend of June 7 – 8.  

• A dedicated diversion schedule will be available on mbta.com. 

• Free and accessible shuttle bus service will replace train service between Forge Park/495 and Readville. 

• Passengers are encouraged to consider the Providence and Fairmount Commuter Rail lines for service between Readville and South Station. 

• This service change is in place due to work taking place on the East Street Bridge Replacement project.  

The MBTA understands how these service changes affect riders’ daily travels during this period, but we are committed to improving your travels long term with more reliable, timely, and safe service. We thank riders for their patience as we deliver this important work and for continuing to ride our system. 

MassDEP’s Bureau of Water Resources is holding a virtual Meet The Grants Workshop to provide information on grant offerings for the upcoming fiscal year for drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and water quality projects.

MassDEP Bureau of Water Resources Meet the Grants Workshop
Location: Zoom (virtual)

Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025

Time: 1:00 PM

Registration required: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yQFVmWYqTLW-tMGjJf8e2w#/registration

Attendees: Those interested in these grant offerings are welcome to attend – entities typically eligible for these grants include municipalities, local boards and commissions (Boards of Health, Conservation Commissions, etc.), stormwater coalitions, environmental justice professionals, river and watershed associations, public water suppliers, wastewater operators

As you may know, Governor Maura Healey created a Statewide K-12 Graduation Council to recommend a new vision for statewide graduation requirements and setting high school graduates up for success. As part of this initiative, the Statewide Graduation Council is hosting a series of listening sessions across the state to inform recommendations on how Massachusetts can ensure all students graduate with the skills necessary to succeed in college, careers, and civic life, regardless of background or circumstance and demonstrate these qualities through a consistent statewide set of expectations.

The upcoming listening sessions, including one virtual option, will engage a broad range of stakeholders, including students, parents and caregivers, educators, school counselors, labor representatives, education advocacy organizations, legislators and the business community.

• Wednesday, May 28: Somerville High School, 5-7 p.m.
• Tuesday, June 3: Virtual, 6-8 p.m.
• Thursday, June 5: Holyoke High School, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Monday, June 9: Barnstable High School, 5-7 p.m.  

The listening session will focus on receiving feedback and input on our essential question: “What should it mean to graduate from high school in Massachusetts?” and the following guiding questions:  

1. What do we want students to know and be able to do when they graduate high school?  
2. What coursework and learning experiences should all students complete for college, career, and civic life? 
3. How should students demonstrate their learning and college, career, and civic readiness? 
4. How do we ensure that all students are meeting the same high standards for graduation? 

Following the moderated discussion with the audience, there will be an opportunity for attendees to provide public comment.  

If you are interested in attending, we encourage you to complete an optional registration form. You will also find additional information and updates about the Statewide Graduation Council’s work on our website at www.mass.gov/k12gradcouncil. 

MassDEP’s Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program is now open for applications. Technical Assistance Grants to support effective public involvement during the assessment and cleanup of oil and hazardous material disposal sites under the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (Chapter 21E).

Public participation is an essential part of the state's Waste Site Cleanup Program. Many may find it difficult to understand the technical and scientific information contained in the plans and reports related to the assessment and cleanup of disposal sites which can hinder effective participation by citizens in the cleanup process. TAGs are awarded to selected community and citizens’ groups to allow those groups to obtain expert assistance, increase public participation, and provide public education about disposal site assessment and cleanup activities.

Applications are due by Friday, August 29, 2025. More information on TAGs and application criteria can be found on MassDEP’s website: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/technical-assistance-grants-waste-site-cleanup.

message from DCR:

As we approach our busy summer season, we need help in ensuring there are enough lifeguards to safely open all of our beaches and pools and keep visitors and families safe. Specifically, we are redoubling our efforts for the sites listed below and we would appreciate any help you can provide to get the word out to recruit additional lifeguards:

• Artesani Pool in Brighton

• Latta Pool in Somerville
• Geisler and Higgins Pools in Lawrence
• Revere Beach
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial Pool in Chelsea
• Allied Veterans Memorial Pool in Everett
• Holland Memorial Pool in Malden
• McCreahan Memorial Pool in Cambridge
• Dealtry Memorial Pool in Watertown

DCR is hosting a free training for lifeguards on June 6-8 in Lynn.

Working as a DCR lifeguard is a great opportunity – they’ll get to spend the summer outside, make good money ($22-$27 an hour), and maybe even save some lives. Our lifeguards are real leaders in our communities and play critical public safety roles at our waterfronts.

Qualified candidates must be at least 16 years old by the date of their hire, complete lifeguard training and be certified in first aid and CPR. For more information visit www.mass.gov/lifeguard.