Baker Calls in National Guard to Deal With Snow
With many roads and sidewalks buried and the MBTA calling it quits, Governor Charlie Baker is activating 500 National Guardsmen Tuesday to assist in snow removal.
According to MEMA spokesperson Peter Judge, about half the guardsmen will be operating heavy machinery to remove snow. The other half is expected to assist in “boots on the ground work,’’ including digging out fire hydrants, he said.
In a press conference at noon, Baker said he has requested equipment from neighboring states that could come in the next few days. He also said the state purchased two snow melters that can take care of 120 tons of snow per hour.
MBTA rail service has been shut down since 7 p.m. on Monday, and the shutdown is scheduled to last through Tuesday. MBTA General Manager Beverly Scott said Tuesday morning that it remains unclear when service will resume. In a passionate press conference, Scott stepped out from behind her podium to call for further investment in the T.
“We do not control mother nature,’’ she said. “I was clear that … if we began to feel we could not safely provide service, we would make whatever decisions were required at that point. This was a perfect storm.’’
Scott also said that she has not been in direct contact with Baker about her decisions or about her future with the MBTA, and she cited Big Dig debt as a huge problem for the transit system.
Baker said that he had not spoken to Scott directly because she does not report to him. “Don’t overplay this one,’’ he told the media. He said he has been in close contact with state Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack.
“Beverly Scott is doing everything she possibly can,’’ Baker said, adding that he is not going to comment on her future with the MBTA until he meets with officials Thursday.
A decision on when MBTA service will resume will be made around mid-afternoon, officials say.
Baker said Monday that he was ‘frustrated’ and ‘disappointed’ with the MBTA’s handling of the recent snowfall. He also signaled that changes could be coming to the transit system “once it stops snowing.’’
According to the National Weather Service, the 64.4 inches of snow Boston received in the past two weeks has set an all-time 14-day record. The Commonwealth remains in a state of emergency, and more snow is expected later this week.
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