~ Letter to the Editor ~ This letter is an edited version of the testimony given on February 12, 2024.

I write today to speak on the importance of National Grid building an accessible public walk along the Malden River Shoreline. Malden, Everett, and Medford have been patiently waiting for National Grid to come into Chapter 91 compliance since at least 2018. More recently, as community engagement with surrounding natural resources has only grown, National Grid has continued to stand in the way of their legally mandated responsibilities to these environmental justice communities. My hope is that the Commissioner’s review be completed soon and with full understanding of the impact that this decision will have on Everett and the surrounding communities. As the State Representative for the City of Everett, I understand the critical importance of ensuring access to tidelands and holding all parties accountable under the law. I believe that it is in the best interest of these communities that they be guaranteed safe and continuous access along the Malden River, and that National Grid should be held to all conditions of the permit for which they initially applied. National Grid’s decision to file, withdraw, and appeal various aspects of this permitting process has unnecessarily delayed granting public access to the Malden River. While I am appreciative of National Grid’s initial investment in funding the design documents for this community walkway, I am disheartened that resources are being focused on litigation instead of sustained community engagement. Malden, Everett, and Medford are prepared to be willing partners in maintenance and enforcement for the community path once it is built. The key is ensuring that National Grid complies with all the state regulations it is subject to, including ones that require investment in our communities. I echo the concerns of the community groups activated around this issue; National Grid should not be allowed to strategically skirt their obligations under the law through parliamentary maneuverings. To allow so would set a dangerous precedent that would not serve to benefit residents as they seek to access our state’s many natural resources to which they are legally entitled access. I encourage a thoughtful and timely review of the facts of this case, with the goal of moving this to a final decision on how National Grid must comply with the Chapter 91 conditions that have previously been discussed. With any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. Thank you.

Sincerely,

State Rep. Joe McGonagle