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Bill Straus proudly represents the 10th Bristol District in the Massachusetts Legislature. Bill received a bachelors degree from Middlebury College, his law degree from Georgetown University and also holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School.

Prior to his election as Representative, Bill served as an Assistant District Attorney in Bristol County for six years prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the Commonwealth. He also was a member of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission and was a founding board member of the Zeiterion Theatre in New Bedford.

Bill is the House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Transportation. He has been involved extensively in transportation issues as a legislator. He was the original sponsor of legislation that added the Port of New Bedford to the Steamship Authority system now connecting New Bedford with Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. As Transportation Chair he was instrumental in securing the funding for SouthCoast Rail—now under construction and due to begin passenger service to Boston in 2023.  As Transportation Chair this term, Bill’s work has already lead to a  jump in local road and bridge money from the state that goes directly to the towns and cities.

Bill has also worked on a number of issues in the legislature including education, protection of our drinking water aquifer, healthcare and privacy matters. He is the original sponsor of the state’s ‘do-not’call’ list to protect people from nuisance calls from telemarketers.

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7 days ago
Rep Bill Straus

MY PLANS FOR 2024

The voters of the 10th Bristol District have honored me since 1992 to be their voice on Beacon Hill. It is a humbling experience to hold this responsibility and I will always be grateful for the confidence expressed in me.

I am writing today, however, to let you know that the current legislative session at the State House will be my last. I will not be a candidate for re-election in November.

This is not an easy decision as there are always more issues and projects to work on. There is much to do in the rest of the session and I will be fully engaged in these matters.

There is plenty of time ahead to reflect on accomplishments over the years. The completion later this year of SouthCoast Rail, is certainly on that list though.

Everything, however, that I’ve been able to do has depended on working with others. Despite the temptation to think otherwise, public service is not a solo act. I have, and have had, great colleagues in public service to work with; I have a staff which in my mind is unmatched. But most of all, the support and sacrifices by my family have made my service to the district possible.

Thank you again to the voters of the 10th Bristol District for your support over the years. I don’t intend to go away entirely and so I look forward to working with many of you in the future.

Bill

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MY PLANS FOR 2024

The voters of the 10th Bristol District have honored me since 1992 to be their voice on Beacon Hill. It is a humbling experience to hold this responsibility and I will always be grateful for the confidence expressed in me.

I am writing today, however, to let you know that the current legislative session at the State House will be my last. I will not be a candidate for re-election in November.

This is not an easy decision as there are always more issues and projects to work on. There is much to do in the rest of the session and I will be fully engaged in these matters.

There is plenty of time ahead to reflect on accomplishments over the years. The completion later this year of SouthCoast Rail, is certainly on that list though.

Everything, however, that Ive been able to do has depended on working with others. Despite the temptation to think otherwise, public service is not a solo act. I have, and have had, great colleagues in public service to work with; I have a staff which in my mind is unmatched. But most of all, the support and sacrifices by my family have made my service to the district possible.

Thank you again to the voters of the 10th Bristol District for your support over the years. I dont intend to go away entirely and so I look forward to working with many of you in the future.

Bill

.

Comment on Facebook

Although I’m sadden to hear this, I’m happy for you and your family! I will truly miss working with you. You have been a true gentleman and an extremely knowledgeable policy maker!!

Thank you for welcoming me upon my return both to your Committee, which I've loved, and to the Transportation Office suite. It's hard to imagine Sessions without your keen observations and advice

Thank you for your service to our community- supporting our local farmers and ensuring our community has access to local food! You were instrumental in helping Coastal Foodshed get off the ground and continuing to grow our organization. We will forever be grateful for your advocacy and support!

Thank you so much for your service to our community. I have learned so much from watching you work, and I am so glad we have had you as our Representative.

Thank you for your many years of service. It has been a pleasure working with you.

Thank you so much for your years of service to the Southcoast. I’ve enjoyed our chats and support immensely!

Thank you for the many years you represented us. Always appreciated you showing up to our little town events, big or small. Showing up for non profit events, and just being there. Good luck and enjoy owning your time, it’s the best thing about retiring.

Thanks for your years of service. Proud to have you as our Representative.

You have been both statesman and friend to your district. Thank you.

Thank you for your support for our town.

Thank you Rep Bill Straus for your many years of service to our community.

Thank you for your service!

Thank you for all you have done!

Thank you for your many years of service to our community.

Thank you for your service to our communities.

Thank you for all you have done Rep Bill Straus

Thank you for your service and support to the district.

Thank you Bill.

It has been an honor to serve with you. Working with you and learning from you first when you chaired the Environment Committee (there is evidence of your environmental leadership visible and working today along the Provincetown waterfront) and of course, since you are chairing the Transportation Committee. The RTAs and those of us who care about transportation outside of the MBTA owe you much thanks for your leadership and partnership.

You will be missed. Thank you for all you've done for us.

Thank you Rep Bill Straus for your many years serving our southcoast communities.

Thank you Bill, for all that you have done to improve the lives of people living and visiting the SouthCoast! It was an honor to have a one of a kind visibility sign and to hold it proudly for years. I hope you enjoy a well deserved retirement from office.

Thank you kindly for your work on behalf of the state and continued support for the recreational boating industry. You will be missed but wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.

I admire and appreciate your public service, and I hope whoever wins your seat can uphold your legacy.

Sorry to hear you’re retiring but thank you so much for so many years of great service!!!

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3 weeks ago
Rep Bill Straus

NEW BEDFORD STATE PIER’S FUTURE IS UNDER REVIEW BY THE STATE

New Bedford State Pier is a significant waterfront asset for our port which is essential to supporting the fishing industry, international shipping, ferries to the islands (including Cuttyhunk), the Ernestina and even more in the future. As a result, the state through MassDevelopment, just closed the proposal deadline last week for outside parties to propose ideas. In 2022 MassDevelopment ran a flawed secretive process which excluded the public, stakeholders, and most elected officials including legislators, from even learning who the bidders were and what the bidders were asking for in order to take over the entire pier. Fortunately, the Healey-Driscoll administration pulled the plug on that process and has begun over. While two years have been lost I remain optimistic that this time something positive can happen. HOWEVER, the hold over leadership at MassDevelopment is still trying to run a process in secrecy; MassDevelopment has made clear that no information about bids or input from the public is being allowed during the review process in what the future holds for our State Pier. For that reason all five State Representatives for New Bedford, including myself, Chris Hendricks, Tony Cabral, Chris Markey and Paul Schmid, have issued a letter asking for a public information process where the public learns about the proposals for using the pier, and gets a meaningful chance to weigh in, before the administration makes an important decision about the future of our port. Our joint letter from last Friday to the CEO of MassDevelopment is available to you at the link below. If you have similar feelings about the need for public information to be shared about the proposals now pending review, I encourage you to communicate with the administration in Boston as well.

www.repstraus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NB-Delegation-ltr-State-Pier.pdf
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NEW BEDFORD STATE PIERS FUTURE IS UNDER REVIEW BY THE STATE 

New Bedford State Pier is a significant waterfront asset for our port which is essential to supporting the fishing industry, international shipping, ferries to the islands (including Cuttyhunk), the Ernestina and even more in the future.  As a result, the state through MassDevelopment, just closed the proposal deadline last week for outside parties to propose ideas.  In 2022 MassDevelopment ran a flawed secretive process which excluded the public, stakeholders, and most elected officials including legislators, from even learning who the bidders were and what the bidders were asking for in order to take over the entire pier.  Fortunately, the Healey-Driscoll administration pulled the plug on that process and has begun over.  While two years have been lost I remain optimistic that this time something positive can happen.  HOWEVER, the hold over leadership at MassDevelopment is still trying to run a process in secrecy; MassDevelopment has made clear that no information about bids or input from the public is being allowed during the review process in what the future holds for our State Pier.  For that reason all five State Representatives for New Bedford, including myself, Chris Hendricks, Tony Cabral, Chris Markey and Paul Schmid, have issued a letter asking for a public information process where the public learns about the proposals for using the pier, and gets a meaningful chance to weigh in, before the administration makes an important decision about the future of our port.  Our joint letter from last Friday to the CEO of MassDevelopment is available to you at the link below.  If you have similar feelings about the need for public information to be shared about the proposals now pending review, I encourage you to communicate with the administration in Boston as well. 

https://www.repstraus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NB-Delegation-ltr-State-Pier.pdf

Comment on Facebook

Would be great to see a waterfront training facility or location as part of the redevelopment. This could be a collaborative partnership with Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, New Bedford High School and Community Boating Center. This would certainly help accomplish the Chapter 91 requirement for waterfront dependent usage.

Thank you Bill for taking a stand in support of an open public process. The industry and voters need an opportunity to view and comment on any proposals.

Thank you for stepping up.

6 months ago
Rep Bill Straus

MASS DOT AGREES TO RELEASE $900,000 IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE FUNDS FOR SOUTHCOAST RAIL

I am happy to share the good news that Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbets-Nutt has agreed to my request for release of $900,000 in local emergency response funding for added safety equipment associated with the new South Coast Rail service in 2024. I met with the Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng yesterday October 11 to renew this request for release of the funds. This money was originally authorized in the 2022 Transportation Bond Bill where as Transportation Committee Chair I also co-chaired the House-Senate Conference Committee on the bill. The idea, however, for providing train related safety equipment directly to area Fire and EMS Departments belongs to New Bedford Fire Chief Scott Kruger and the other regional Chiefs from Fall River and Taunton as well as the leaders of locals with the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts.

The region’s Chiefs and department members are now updating the specific item list for purchase of the safety and extraction equipment that should be available for train related emergency response as needed. All of my fellow legislative colleagues from the region have been determined in their advocacy for this emergency response equipment including particularly, Senator Michael Rodrigues, and Representative Carole Fiola. Thank you to Secretary Tibbets-Nutt in her role on behalf of the Healey-Driscoll administration.
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MASS DOT AGREES TO RELEASE $900,000 IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE FUNDS FOR SOUTHCOAST RAIL

I am happy to share the good news that Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbets-Nutt has agreed to my request for release of $900,000 in local emergency response funding for added safety equipment associated with the new South Coast Rail service in 2024.  I met with the Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng yesterday October 11 to renew this request for release of the funds.  This money was originally authorized in the 2022 Transportation Bond Bill where as Transportation Committee Chair I also co-chaired the House-Senate Conference Committee on the bill.  The idea, however, for providing train related safety equipment directly to area Fire and EMS  Departments belongs to New Bedford Fire Chief Scott Kruger and the other regional Chiefs from Fall River and Taunton as well as the leaders of locals with the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts.  

The regions Chiefs and department members are now updating the specific item list for purchase of the safety and extraction equipment that should be available for train related emergency response as needed.  All of my fellow legislative colleagues from the region have been determined in their advocacy for this emergency response equipment including particularly, Senator Michael Rodrigues, and Representative Carole Fiola.  Thank you to Secretary Tibbets-Nutt in her role on behalf of the Healey-Driscoll administration.

Comment on Facebook

Great job!

Great news!

Thank you Bill !

Outstanding!

6 months ago
Rep Bill Straus

SEE THE DRAFT NAVIGATION REPORT FOR THE NEW BEDFORD-FAIRHAVEN BRIDGE PROJECT

I am pleased to share publicly, the Draft Navigation Report prepared for MassDOT as part of the design and bridge type selection process for a replacement bridge connecting Fairhaven and New Bedford. This is a significant advancement in the public engagement process needed to select a bridge design for a project which literally will reshape our harbor for decades to come. The final report will be part of the process needed for U.S. Coast Guard review and ultimately a bridge permit for reconstruction. You can read the detailed navigation report at this link:
www.repstraus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NB_FH-Nav-Study-Final-Draft_23_09_21-1.pdf

The key navigational benefits for a new bridge would be a much more accessible and safe overall channel width from the current 95′ dual channels to a much wider wide of 260′. A new vertical height for a raised bridge span would be 138′ according to the report. This compares, for example to a vertical height of 135′ for the existing Cape Cod bridges. Three feet more is based on predicted sea level rise.

This is one more step in the process for a new bridge and will result in many more public sessions and input opportunities before more detailed design work begins. My own sense is that between two types of likely designs, the project will be best as a so-called ‘vertical lift’ bridge compared to a draw bridge in terms of navigation benefits, functionality and construction impacts.

Thanks to those on both sides of the port who participated in this process.
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SEE THE DRAFT NAVIGATION REPORT FOR THE NEW BEDFORD-FAIRHAVEN BRIDGE PROJECT

I am pleased to share publicly, the Draft Navigation Report prepared for MassDOT as part of the design and bridge type selection process for a replacement bridge connecting Fairhaven and New Bedford.  This is a significant advancement in the public engagement process needed to select a bridge design for a project which literally will reshape our harbor for decades to come.  The final report will be part of the process needed for U.S. Coast Guard review and ultimately a bridge permit for reconstruction.  You can read the detailed navigation report at this link:  
https://www.repstraus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NB_FH-Nav-Study-Final-Draft_23_09_21-1.pdf

The key navigational benefits for a new bridge would be a much more accessible and safe overall channel width from the current 95 dual channels to a much wider wide of 260.  A new vertical height for a raised bridge span would be 138 according to the report.  This compares, for example to a vertical height of 135 for the existing Cape Cod bridges.  Three feet more is based on predicted sea level rise.

This is one more step in the process for a new bridge and will result in many more public sessions and input opportunities before more detailed design work begins.  My own sense is that between two types of likely designs, the project will be best as a so-called vertical lift bridge compared to a draw bridge in terms of navigation benefits, functionality and construction impacts.

Thanks to those on both sides of the port who participated in this process.

Comment on Facebook

I hope the new bridge will include bike lanes

The bridge being wider makes it less safe for everyone

8 months ago
Rep Bill Straus

NEW BEDFORD AIRPORT TERMINAL PROJECT RECEIVES $2.1 MILLION STATE DESIGN AWARD.

I am delighted to share the word that yesterday, August 4, the state Department of Transportation made good in approving $2.1 million in preliminary design, engineering and architectural costs for the new Airport Terminal at the New Bedford Airport. The release of $2.1 million in state funds was made possible by a prior legislative bond bill amendment of mine, earmarking approximately $25 million toward the project. However, this week’s timely release of monies was made directly by Governor Maura Healey when she agreed to a request of mine for inclusion of the project in the statewide capital investment program for fiscal year 2024.

This week’s release of money by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will allow the city’s airport commission to retain a project manager, engineers and architects to get completed designs which are necessary to a final go-ahead for the construction of a new terminal; the current terminal is outdated and inefficient and is the oldest commercial air terminal in New England.

A critical permit request for approval to relocate the airport’s control tower for better airfield operations is pending in Washington DC with the Federal Aeronautics Administration (FAA). The city’s commitment to this project and the active support of Mayor Mitchell were essential to obtaining this week’s funding approval by the state.
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NEW BEDFORD AIRPORT TERMINAL PROJECT RECEIVES $2.1 MILLION STATE DESIGN AWARD.

I am delighted to share the word that yesterday, August 4, the state Department of Transportation made good in approving $2.1 million in preliminary design, engineering and architectural costs for the new Airport Terminal at the New Bedford Airport.  The release of $2.1 million in state funds was made possible by a prior legislative bond bill  amendment of mine, earmarking approximately $25 million toward the project.  However, this weeks timely release of monies was made directly by Governor Maura Healey when she agreed to a request of mine for inclusion of the project in the statewide capital investment program for fiscal year 2024. 

This weeks release of money by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will allow the citys airport commission to retain a project manager, engineers and architects to get completed designs which are necessary to a final go-ahead for the construction of a new terminal; the current terminal is outdated and inefficient and is the oldest commercial air terminal in New England.

 A critical permit request for approval to relocate the airports control tower for better airfield operations is pending in Washington DC with the Federal Aeronautics Administration (FAA).  The citys commitment to this project and the active support of Mayor Mitchell were essential to obtaining this weeks funding approval by the state.

Comment on Facebook

I can't imagine the convenience of a New Bedford airport that could connect with others. This could be amazing long term.

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