Berkshire Communities Receive Highway Funds

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BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced that MassDOT has received an additional $80 million in funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) as part of the annual funding redistribution process. 
 
These redistribution funds represent federal transportation funds that were unable to be used for the programs to which they were originally allocated. As part of this redistribution, MassDOT will add or increase funding for 12 infrastructure projects across Massachusetts.
 
"Our Administration is committed to pursuing transportation projects that increase safety, equity, and reliability in Massachusetts," said Transportation Acting Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. "Our MassDOT teams did a tremendous job in ensuring we had shovel-ready projects to submit for funding consideration to FHWA and we're pleased these projects will improve infrastructure and communities in our Commonwealth." 
 
In Berkshire County:
 
Pittsfield - Intersection & signal improvements at First Street & North Street
Lanesborough - Resurfacing and related work on Route 7
Becket, Blanford, Stockbridge, West Stockbridge - Bridge preservation
 
Every year in July, FHWA calculates how much Fiscal Year spending is likely to go unspent and solicits requests from the states for projects that can use the additional funding. Because FHWA obligation authority is a "use it or lose it" proposition, any projects submitted for additional funding must be able to be shovel-ready in the current fiscal year. These funds are available now and must be obligated no later than September 26, 2023. Massachusetts' redistribution funding average for the previous four years had been $64.9 million.
 
"As part of our good governance, the Highway Division was ready to submit shovel-ready projects to our federal partners as soon as the opportunity for additional funding was there," said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. "We will continue to b

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Fall Semester at BCC Begins Sept. 3

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The fall semester at Berkshire Community College (BCC) begins Tuesday, Sept. 3. 
 
Applications are being accepted now.  
 
Learning options at BCC include in-person, online and hybrid classes. Prospective students may view an admission checklist and apply, browse a course catalogue, file a financial aid form or schedule a tour by visiting www.berkshirecc.edu/fall or by walking in without an appointment to the One Stop Enrollment Center. 
 
There, applications are processed for instant acceptance to the College. Advisors are on hand to answer questions and to assist with financial aid. For more information, call (413) 499-4660 or email onestop@berkshirecc.edu
 
After completing an application and receiving acceptance into BCC, students take an Accuplacer exam or submit official high school transcripts to be evaluated for course placement. Students who previously attended another college or university should submit official transcripts to BCC, which may allow exemption from testing. 
 
The Commonwealth's new MassEducate program offers tuition- and fee- free community college to all Massachusetts residents, regardless of age, who have yet to earn a bachelor's degree. MassEducate expands upon MassReconnect, a similar program for students ages 25 and older. Both programs include an allowance for books and supplies for eligible students.
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