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04_16_2026

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THURSDAY APRIL 16, 2026

SOUTH BOSTON ONLINE

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

Senator Collins Files Legislation to Invest in Castle Island, Marine Park, and Fort Point Channel Proposal builds on Mass Ready Act to strengthen coastal protection and streamline climate projects

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head of this week ’s debate on the Mass Ready Act, Senator Nick Collins has filed a series of amendments aimed at strengthening climate resilience in South Boston, the South End, Back Bay, and surrounding coastal communities. The Mass Ready Act is a $3.64 billion environmental bond bill focused on protecting infrastructure from climate change and severe weather, safeguarding drinking water, and advancing environmental protection. The legislation also includes funding for coastal infrastructure, water system upgrades, and local resilience planning, while establishing new protections around f lood

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risk and environmental impacts. “I n meetings w it h constituents who live and work along our coastline, we consistently hear a call for action,” said Senator Collins. “This bill and these amendments are about meeting that moment with urgency and ensuring we are not held back by unnecessary bureaucratic delays.” Senator Collins’ amendments build on that framework with a focus on Boston’s w a t e r f r o nt c o m mu n it i e s . A central component of the proposal establishes a commission on resilient urban coasts, designed to identify barriers that delay climate resilience projects and recommend ways to streamline permitting. The goal is to move projects forward more quickly and support solutions that protect entire neighborhoods. In addition to the commission, the amendments include targeted

investments across South Boston’s waterfront, including funding for resilience improvements at Castle Island, Moakley Park, and along Columbia Road, as well as upgrades near Kelly’s Landing, the W WII Memorial, and the Admiral David Farragut statue. The proposal also includes a major investment in the Boston Harbor Islands to support

critica l improvements and protect a key regional resource. Together, the amendments are designed to strengthen f lood protection, improve c o ord i n at ion, a nd he lp communities better prepare for sea level rise and coastal flooding. The Mass Ready Act is expected to be taken up by the Senate later this week.

Celebrating New EMTS and Recent Promotion

ayor Michelle Wu, Boston Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) today celebrated the graduation of 26 new EMTs and the recent promotion of eight EMS members in a ceremony held at Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall. The graduates, all state-certified EMTs, successfully completed the Boston EMS Recruit Academy, an intensive training program that prepares recruits to deliver high-quality emergency care across the city. With this new class joining the ranks, Boston EMS

continues to strengthen its 9-1-1 ambulance and dispatch services in response to growing demand. “Congratulations to the newest class of EMT graduates,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Today marks the beginning of your commitment

to a profession rooted in service, compassion, and skill. As a critical link between our first responders and healthcare providers, EMS plays an essential role in delivering care across our city. Boston is deeply grateful for your dedication

to keeping every neighborhood in Boston safe and healthy.” “Today, we welcome a new class of EMTs who have already shown impressive dedication and heart,” said Boston EMS Chief James Continued on Page 2


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