Here's what's happening at CBI...
Dear CBI Sailors, Friends, and Supporters,
We need your help. Last summer we lobbied our representatives in the State Legislature and Senate to include the replacement of CBI's docks in the Environmental Bond Bill. With the work of many hands, and especially Representative Marty Walz and Senator Petruccelli, we were successful. While this provided authorization for Massachusetts to sell bonds to finance projects (including CBI's docks), it didn't guarantee appropriation. And with the recent economic turmoil, the prospects for the state to fund dock replacement looked tenuous. However, an opportunity has presented itself, if we act now.
Efforts are pushing forward in Washington to pass an economic stimulus package. It is highly probable that many infrastructure / public works construction projects will receive funding. Priority will be given to projects that are "shovel ready." Community Boating's docks fit that criteria-- the designs are completed to the 90% stage, meaning that they can go out to bid now. Demolition and construction could start next fall, even as early as September.
Here's what you can do-Write, email, or call Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Rick Sullivan and Secretary of the Executive office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles. I have written sample letters - one for Commissioner Sullivan and one for Secretary Bowles. You can copy these letters verbatim or use them as templates for you to write your own.I have also included contact information below.
This may be the best shot we'll have at seeing the CBI docks replaced. Your help is much needed and deeply appreciated. Please contact me at CBI if you have any questions, thoughts, or ideas. I would love to hear from you. Best wishes for the New Year.
Sincerely,
Charlie Zechel
Executive Director
617-523-1038, ext. 12
Charlie@community-boating.org
Contact Information for the DCR Commissioner
Commissioner Rick Sullivan
Mass. Dept. of Conservation and Recreation
251 Causeway St., Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
Rick.sullivan@massmail.state.ma.us
Contact Information for the EOEA
Secretary Ian Bowles
Executive Office of Energy and Environment Affairs
100 Cambridge St. Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
Ian.bowles@state.ma.us
