GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — Greenfield Mayor Ginny Desorgher submitted testimony to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation in support of the Northern Tier Passenger Rail project. In the testimony, Mayor Desorgher calls the project a “game-changer” for the growth and sustainability of Franklin County.
From the City of Greenfield:
Mayor Desorgher Submits Testimony to Support Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study
GREENFIELD — Mayor Virginia “Ginny” Desorgher submitted testimony today to Massachusetts Department of Transportation leadership supporting the Northern Tier Passenger Rail Project. The mayor considers the project a “game-changer” for the growth and sustainability of Franklin County.
“The Northern Tier Passenger Rail would be a critical connective link for Massachusetts,” said Mayor Virginia “Ginny” Desorgher. “I encourage anyone interested in this project to make their voice heard by submitting public comment.”
The public comment period for the Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study concludes on October 12, 2024. To submit a comment, please visit: https://pima.massdotpi.com/public/comment/project-comment-dynamic?project_id=14308
Read Mayor Desorgher’s full testimony below:
Hello,
My name is Virginia Desorgher, and I am honored to serve as Mayor of the City of Greenfield. Thank you for the opportunity to submit public testimony regarding the Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study. This project is essential for the state and the Franklin County region.
The Northern Tier Rail would be a game-changer for our community. Its benefits are numerous, but I want to spotlight some that stand out in particular.
Public transportation in Franklin County has remained a challenge. The Franklin Regional Transit Authority provides excellent service to our community, including the recent addition of weekend transit. However, Franklin County is still behind in alternative transportation options compared to Eastern Massachusetts.
The Northern Tier Rail would represent a terrific step forward for regional equity. It would provide accessible and affordable transportation for everyone in the Franklin County region, unlocking a level of optionality that would benefit the community tremendously. Residents could regularly commute to Central or Eastern Massachusetts for work or enjoy trips to our state’s terrific landmarks. A rail service would also support the state and nation’s sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions from commuters who typically drive to their destinations.
In addition, the Northern Tier Rail also grants fantastic optionality for economic development. Franklin County continues to grow as a tourist destination, with the region’s scenic sights and fall foliage consistently drawing people during seasonal months. The Northern Tier Rail would serve as a supportive pillar to that growth, allowing for increased foot traffic to support businesses, organizations and the work of our terrific Chamber of Commerce and Greenfield Business Association.
It is natural for my focus as mayor to be on Greenfield, but I am also thrilled to think about what the Northern Tier Rail would mean for our neighboring communities. Franklin County’s 26 municipalities all feature an abundance of culture and tradition. For too long, many in our state have not had the accessible means to visit these remarkable places. I truly believe the Northern Tier Rail holds the potential to uplift not just Greenfield but Franklin County and Western Massachusetts as a whole.
In conclusion, I believe the Northern Tier Rail would establish an invaluable link between Easter, Central and Western Massachusetts, a connective chain that would strengthen the connectivity of our Commonwealth. Thank you for your time and consideration.