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Sen. Comerford: 'We're not finished' with bill to increase access to state trails

Amy Sugihara and Meg Bandarra explore the Fort River Birding and Nature Trail in Hadley, Massachusetts, an accessible trail in the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, in June 2024.
Nancy Eve Cohen
/
NEPM
Amy Sugihara and Meg Bandarra explore the Fort River Birding and Nature Trail in Hadley, Massachusetts, an accessible trail in the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, in June 2024.

A Massachusetts bill designed to maximize access to trails for more people, including those with disabilities, was not voted on in the legislative formal session, but there's a push to get it approved before the end of the year.

The bill would direct a working group to figure out how many of the state's trails are accessible and then recommend ways to improve access for people with mobility considerations.

Sen. Jo Comerford, D- Northampton, said she's trying to get it approved in the informal legislative session.

"I have had numerous conversations with the chair of Ways and Means and the Senate president about this bill. Also, administration officials," she said. "We're not finished."

Northampton resident Meg Bandarra, who spearheaded the fight for the bill, said if it doesn't pass, she would be deeply disappointed.

Bandarra said it could "help millions of Massachusetts residents with disabilities, reduced mobility, age-related mobility challenges. And, Massachusetts can and should do better."

Comerford said if it doesn't pass, she'll refile it next year.

Nancy Eve Cohen was a senior reporter focusing on Berkshire County. Earlier in her career she was NPR’s Midwest editor in Washington, D.C., managing editor of the Northeast Environmental Hub and recorded sound for TV networks on global assignments, including the war in Sarajevo and an interview with Fidel Castro.

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