This plan will identify the geographic distribution of public charging infrastructure needed to support the anticipated increase in zero emission vehicles in the Valley and commonwealth by 2035.

The sessions will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 11, and Thursday, Sept. 12, both at 6:30 p.m. To attend, visit pvpc.org/

Participants will learn more about the electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the Pioneer Valley, and can share their thoughts on current and future charging needs, or voice concerns related to the deployment of this infrastructure.

St. Patrick’s Committee to take part in community day of service

HOLYOKE — The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke is once again participating in the #KeepitClean2K24 initiative hosted by OneHolyoke CDC. Committee members will help clean streets along the 2025 Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race and Parade routes. The public is invited to join on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. Volunteers will receive an email with the clean-up location and more details.

Supplies will be provided and all volunteers are invited to a post clean-up reception at City Sports Bar and Lounge located at 352 High Street, Holyoke.

For more information, visit holyokestpatricksparade.com under the Events tab and on OneHolyoke’s website oneholyoke.org.

Organizations land tourism grants

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BOSTON — Several Hampshire County organizations are among the 61 groups to receive $5.9 million in grants from the state for cultural and tourism projects. The grants, which come from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism’s Destination Development Capital (DDC) grant program, support projects that expand, construct, restore, or renovate Massachusetts tourism destinations and attractions.

In Amherst, the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is receiving $166,000 to upgrade the exterior of its building.

In Easthampton, CitySpace will get $52,800 to improve Old Town Hall’s first floor and tower by repairing and upgrading the foyer, performance venue, and tower.

In Florence, the Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity will receive $8,444 to modernize its commercial kitchen to increase event attendance and energy efficiency.

In Holyoke, the International Volleyball Hall of Fame is getting $50,000 to reimagine the beach volleyball exhibit to honor the rapidly growing sport.

Projects funded in this round will preserve historic town halls, create interactive tourism experiences, and design multi-media exhibits. Approximately 15% of this year’s grants will support revitalization efforts in five Massachusetts Gateway Cities, an investment that will help transform these urban centers into vibrant destinations, boosting tourism statewide.

Cummington secures grant for culvert replacement

CUMMINGTON — The town has landed a $150,000 from the state to replace the Swift River culvert.

Plans call for replacing the deteriorated culvert on Stage Coach Road over the North Branch of the Swift River, which has been identified as a Coldwater Fisheries Resource and is in an area of critical habitat for rare species.

The grant is one of 14 statewide totaling more than $3.7 million for river and wetland restoration projects throughout Massachusetts. Through three programs provided by the Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Ecological Restoration (DER), these projects will strengthen community resilience to climate change, reduce flood risks, improve climate-ready infrastructure and public safety, and restore crucial wildlife habitat and water quality.