ITEM FILE PHOTO
Charlie Baker.
BY THOMAS GRILLO
Gov. Charlie Baker has deep-sixed creation of a state panel that would have crafted a comprehensive water transportation vision, including ferry service.
On Friday, Baker vetoed a no-cost provision of the 2017 budget for a Water Transportation Advisory Council. In a statement to the Legislature, Baker said he rejected formation of the panel because it duplicates efforts within and outside of state government.
The governor was not immediately available for comment. But he may be referring to the Massachusetts Ferry Compact which has yet to meet under Baker’s watch. That group’s mission is to identify an overall vision for the ferry system in the Bay State. Its membership is a mix of state agencies, elected officials, and organizations dedicated to improving ferry transportation in the commonwealth.
Baker’s veto comes on the heels of his administration’s rejection of Lynn’s request for about $700,000 in operating expenses for a North Shore ferry to sail for a third summer.
Sen. Thomas McGee (D-Lynn), who championed the new council in next year’s budget, said he was surprised by the veto and intends to seek an override with a two-thirds vote of the Legislature.
“The governor’s veto is lack of vision and a missed opportunity that is right in front of us,” McGee said. “Maybe they’re worried about the cost, maybe they’re worried about expansion. To me, it’s a no brainer.”
Baker vetoed $256 million in spending from the state budget for the new fiscal year, but signed the remainder of the nearly $39 billion spending plan.
The new council would have cost nothing, but would be instrumental in devising a vision for coastal communities to take advantage of water transportation given the gridlock on the region’s roads, McGee said.
“My efforts are to have an open and honest discussion about what I view as a huge potential for expansion of water transportation in the region while recognizing all the other challenges we face with gridlocked roads and investment in the MBTA,” McGee added. “This is an opportunity to have a fresh look at what we can to make access easier for people in the region.”
State Rep. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) said he was disappointed over the governor’s veto.
“Clearly, water transportation is not part of the governor’s transportation priorities,” he said “This is not just a Lynn thing, the council would have included stakeholders from every coastal community and a comprehensive group of people that could strategize for water transportation. The council doesn’t cost anything, there’s no mandate, other than exploring options.”
The council would be charged with creating a vision for a comprehensive system of water transportation services serving the commonwealth’s ferry passengers, including commuters and tourists. It would be tasked with identifying policies and improvements including, investment of public funds to support operating and capital expenses for existing and new ferry services, and supporting the state agencies and independent authorities responsible for planning, designing, constructing, operating, funding and maintaining the ferry transportation infrastructure facilities.
Members of the council would have included the Secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, who will serve as the chair, general manager of the MBTA, chairs of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Transportation, president of Boston Harbor Now Inc., executive director of the Seaport Economic Council, general manager of the Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority, CEO of the Massachusetts Port Authority, representatives of the private ferry operations industry, the mayors of the cities of Boston, Lynn, New Bedford, Quincy and Salem, and the town managers of the towns of Hingham, Hull, Provincetown and Winthrop.
“In Salem, we have seen the direct benefits from having ferry service to and from Boston for commuters and visitors,” said Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) in a statement. “It’s become an important transportation alternative…which has led to less cars on our congested roadways, a reduction in vehicle emissions and increased ridership year-over-year. It’s clear that when a reliable, economical ferry service is available, people will support the operation and utilize the service. The creation of the Water Transportation Advisory Council is a huge leap forward in shaping a comprehensive strategy and vision for water transportation in our coastal communities.”
Thomas Grillo can be reached at [email protected]
