Gov. Baker: Mass. Comes Out Of Blizzard 'In Relatively Good Shape'
BOSTON (CBS/AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker visited areas hit hardest by the two-day blizzard that left up to three feet of snow in some communities, though he said for the most part the state came out in "relatively good shape."
On Tuesday morning Baker and Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack addressed the state's response to the major storm.
"Despite the fact that we had record breaking snowfall in many parts of Massachusetts, we've come out of this I think in relatively good shape," said Baker.
Related: Blizzard Of 2015 Snow Totals
Baker said the travel ban that was implemented for 24 hours throughout the state was a "source of heated conversation" but that ultimately it "was the right thing to do."
Pollack said that once the MBTA reopened on Wednesday the number of commuters was lighter than most week days, but still busy.
"You should not underestimate how difficult it was to get the T back up in operation after only a 24 hour shutdown," said Pollack, who added that the last time service was shut down due to a major storm it was on a Friday and was not back up and running until Sunday.
After addressing the media, Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito headed to the South Shore town of Scituate, which was damaged by flooding during the storm.
There they met with town officials to discuss the storm's impact. The seaside town regularly suffers from coastal flooding during major storms.
Baker then made a last-minute decision to visit Nantucket, one of the communities hardest hit by this week's blizzard.
About 3,500 customers on the island remained without power at mid-day Wednesday, nearly half of the state's total.
The island got a foot of snow, but was buffeted by high winds, including one gust of 76 miles per hour.
Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito visited Marshfield where a 50-foot section of seawall was washed away in the Green Harbor neighborhood, damaging a vacant home.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports
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