Timely update about the Northampton roundabout

Greetings,

We’re writing again in partnership with Representative Sabadosa and Congressman McGovern, to share a third timely update on the archeological site in Northampton and the construction of the roundabout.***

Our offices have continued to engage deeply.

Here’s what we’ve done since we last wrote to you on July 9: 

• We have had further conversations with the representative from the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), who is the site observer for this project.
• We held a meeting with state-recognized tribes who had reached out to our offices: the Nipmuc Nation, Elnu-Abenaki, Chaubunagungamaug Nipmuc and the western Massachusetts representative on the Commission for Indian Affairs
• We have continued our conversation on this issue with MassDOT.
• We have had further conversations with the Federal Highway Administration to understand how they are engaging with native tribes and the Mass Historical Commission in their Section 106 Process.

Here’s what we know at this moment: 

• We’ve been assured by the Federal Highway Administration that construction on the site of the Northampton roundabout will not begin on August 6 as the federal Section 106 process is not yet complete.

Our teams remain vigilant. We are committed to ensuring that native voices are centered in whatever decision is made.

Thank you for your engagement and concern.

Warmly,

Jo, Elena, and Sam

***For reference, text of the previous emails we have sent to constituents are here and here.