smulder

STEP meeting

Post published:February 26, 2007
Post author:smulder

Topics included the MPO Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), Green Line updates, Green Line art exhibits, and grant proposals. Meeting notes (PDF)

Draft of Regional Transportation Plan (RTP): Journey to 2030

Post published:February 26, 2007
Post author:smulder

This long-range plan is the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization's (MPO) proposed program of planned highway and public transit improvements for the region through 2030. The Green Line extensions are in here, but the status is a little vague because the new State Implementation Plan (SIP) regulations haven't yet been approved by the Federal EPA. To keep the Green Line extensions…

Study on air pollution and women’s health

Post published:January 31, 2007
Post author:smulder

A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found very high increases in mortality among older women exposed to local fine particle pollution. Boston Globe: "Air pollution raises women's heart disease risk, says study" The study: "Long-Term Exposure to Air Pollution and Incidence of Cardiovascular Events in Women"

STEP meeting

Post published:January 29, 2007
Post author:smulder

Topics included upcoming Green Line exhibits, Green Line status, and STEP's presence at the TRB conference in Washington. Meeting notes (PDF)

Study on highway pollution and children’s health

Post published:January 26, 2007
Post author:smulder

A new study piles more evidence on the dangers of local highway pollution on children's health, specifically lung impairment of those who grow up close to highways. LA Times: "Freeways' tainted air harms children's lungs, experts say" The Guardian: "Living near a motorway damages children's lungs, research reveals"

Map shows where roadway pollution is dangerous

Post published:January 12, 2007
Post author:smulder

View map The Metropolitan Area Planning Council 2007 Calendar features a map with the following text... Heavy Traffic Affects Air Quality and Health If you live, work or attend school within 100 yards of a roadway carrying 100,000 or more vehicles per day, you are more likely to suffer from cardiac or pulmonary disease. According to local and national studies, this…

Green Line timeline updated

Post published:January 10, 2007
Post author:smulder

For a visual, historical summary of the Green Line extension and what lies ahead, check out the updated Green Line timeline (large image file).

Boston Globe: Debt relief for the T?

Post published:January 9, 2007
Post author:smulder

“Group seeks debt relief for the T”
A coalition of lawmakers and public interest groups plans to file legislation tomorrow requiring the state to take over a portion of the MBTA’s debt, allowing the transit agency to become less dependent on fare increases and to spend more on maintaining the rail and bus system and improving service.

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Provost pitches bills on health impacts of pollution

Post published:January 8, 2007
Post author:smulder

From the State House News Service…
Somerville Rep Pitches Two Bills to Address Health Impacts of Air Pollution
By Priscilla Yeon
A legislator concerned with the harm caused by pollution near high-traffic roadways plans to file two bills she hopes will reduce pollution-related pulmonary and cardiac diseases.
Rep. Denise Provost (D-Somerville) said it’s time for the Legislature to address the health concerns of people who live near roadways and buildings sitting near high-traffic areas.

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SIP transit commitments supporting material

Post published:January 8, 2007
Post author:smulder

The Central Transportation Planning Staff released a document presenting the supporting material associated with the reevaluation of the State Implementation Plan (SIP) transit commitments. It includes background of the process, history of the analysis, transportation network assumptions, modeling methodology, and the results of the analysis that were used in this reevaluation. Download the SIP supporting material (PDF)