James Kinsella

Steamship Authority Weathers Changes Through Long Year

James Kinsella |

Steamship Authority Weathers Changes Through Long Year

By JAMES KINSELLA

As 2004 got under way at the Steamship Authority, there was some question about whether there would be a Steamship Authority in the future.

In mid-January Nantucket governor Grace Grossman confirmed that she had been exploring since the previous summer whether that island should secede from the boat line, an entity created by the state in 1960 to ensure reliable, affordable ferry travel between Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and the mainland.

 

 

 
bagpipers

Maine Shipyard Restores, Relaunches The Black Dog Tall Ship Shenandoah

James Kinsella

A thoroughly refurbished schooner Shenandoah was relaunched Saturday morning at Boothbay Harbor in Maine.

The Shenandoah, one of the Black Dog tall ships that sail from Vineyard Haven harbor, had undergone about six months of extensive rebuilding at the Boothbay Harbor Shipyard.

“We essentially did what is referred to as retopping — a rebuilding of the vessel from the waterline up,” said Bob Foster, a spokesman for the shipyard.

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Federal Environmental Agency Fines R.M. Packer Company

James Kinsella

R.M. Packer Co. of Vineyard Haven, the Vineyard’s major oil supplier, has agreed to pay a $78,000 fine for violating the federal Clean Water Act and Oil Pollution Prevention rules.

According to a release from the federal Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday, the Packer company failed to adequately implement a spill prevention, control and countermeasure plan. The EPA also said the company did not sufficiently maintain proper containment for its tanks and loading rack.

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Magistrate Reduces Hefty Fines In Case Against Joseph Alosso

James Kinsella

A state administrative magistrate has set aside most of the fines assessed by the state Department of Environmental Protection against Joseph N. and Evelyn R. Alosso for alleged septic violations at their home in Oak Bluffs.

In October 2004, the DEP had sought a $28,310 civil penalty against the Alossos for the alleged violations at the house they built on Carol Lane.

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SSA Set to Vote on Fare Hikes Thursday at Cornell Theatre

James Kinsella

When the Steamship Authority board of governors convenes next Thursday morning at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, Vineyard governor Marc Hanover anticipates voting for across-the-board rate increases to fund next year\'s $78.3 million budget.

But he said it will be the last time.

\"We really have to get a handle on this,\" Mr. Hanover said earlier this week about the budget, slated to rise $4 million next year. \"We can\'t keep absorbing these additional costs.\"

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Jim Powell Stresses Island Roots in Campaign for State Rep. Seat

James Kinsella

Jim Powell Stresses Island Roots in Campaign for Legislative Seat

By JAMES KINSELLA

Jim Powell of West Tisbury, the Republican candidate for the Cape and Islands state representative seat, is emphasizing the value of his connection to the Vineyard.

"We need a new, fresh, effective, results-oriented representative who really knows what it's like to work and survive on the Island," said Mr. Powell, 46, who ran unsuccessfully against the incumbent, Eric T. Turkington, in 2004.

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Eric Turkington Recounts Service to Vineyard on Needs, Issues

James Kinsella

Eric Turkington Recounts Service to Vineyard On Needs, Issues

By JAMES KINSELLA

Eric Turkington, who has represented Martha's Vineyard in the state house of representatives since 1989, said he can drive through every town on the Island and see projects and initiatives that he helped make happen.

Mr. Turkington, 59, a Democrat who lives in Falmouth, is running for re-election in the Cape and Islands district, which in addition to the Vineyard includes Nantucket and part of Falmouth.

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