FLOODWATERS SUBSIDE
 
By State Representative Don Humason, Jr.

May 20, 2006

Less than one week ago, the Northeast endured some of the wettest weather on record.  Here in Massachusetts it was said that we had not seen so much rain in nearly 70 years.  Although Westfield saw more than 5 inches of rainfall, we were fortunate not to have any severe flooding.  Fortunately it has been a dry spring and we needed the rain...although not quite that much all at once.

Last Saturday, during a short dry spell when the rain held off, I attended the ribbon cutting for Westfield's newly upgraded and expanded Waste Water Pollution Control Plant.  It lies on the North side of the Westfield River just off Union Street not far from the big salt pile.  Dave Billips, the plant superintendent, told us that the plant is in one of the lowest spots in town right on the river so if flooding happens anywhere in Westfield it usually happens there first.  Again, fortunately, no flooding took place.
My compliments to Dave and the crew at the plant for doing a difficult job well.

Bruce Augusti from MEMA, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, was in touch with my office as well as with Mike Boulanger who heads up Westfield's Emergency Management office.  During the heavy rains Joe and I did a district tour around the city to check on water conditions.  We visited places like Whitney Field, the Meadow Street pumping station, and the Waste Water Control Plant.
No big problems to report, thankfully.

Unfortunately, other parts of the state didn't fare so well.  Northeastern Massachusetts was hit hard.  The Merrimack River flooded and inundated many towns along the way.  Several dams were in danger of breaching.  When the House convened on Wednesday, we had to recess until three in the afternoon to give the North Shore delegation time to get to Boston because of closed roads and flooded areas.  The Senate put off their formal session until Thursday for the same reason.

My colleagues from the Northeast Legislative Delegation asked us all to request assistance from our constituents.  If you would like to help make a monetary donation to the relief effort, please send your contribution to Northeast MA 2006 Flood Relief Effort, Salvation Army State Headquarters, 147 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116.  Thank you.

The rain and floodwaters flowing out into the Atlantic Ocean have caused state officials to close shellfish beds along the Massachusetts shore for fear that sewerage in the swollen rivers would mix with the ocean waters and cause a bloom of Red Tide.  Red Tide impacted our coastal waters last year and biologist say it's bound to be back this year.  When this marine biotoxin blooms it makes eating shellfish hazardous.  So enjoy your native clams and mussels while you can because it looks like we may be eating imported shellfish if the problem worsens.

The House was in formal session and debated a comprehensive Expedited Permitting bill for about 8 hours before passing it by a vote of 134 to 14.  I voted for the legislation.  The current permitting system in our state is a long and tedious process that remains an obstacle for businesses looking to open or expand in the Bay state.  For example, a permitting process that may take 3 years here in Massachusetts generally takes 3 months in a state like North Carolina that is in direct competition with us for jobs and businesses.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee this week unveiled their version of the state budget for the next fiscal year.  The House already passed our version a couple weeks ago.  Senators will file their amendments and begin debating next week.  When they are finished a Conference Committee will be appointed to hammer out the differences between versions.

Congratulations to the members of the Westfield State College Class of 2006.  As a proud WSC graduate (Class of 1989) and as their State Representative, I am attending the Commencement ceremony Saturday.  Best wishes all.


Representative Don Humason and his aide Joe Wynn may be reached at their Westfield District office, 64 Noble Street, Westfield, MA 01085, 568-1366.

Their Boston address is State House Room 443, Boston, MA 02133, (617) 722-2460.