Mass. launches online hub for World Cup information

A new state website will help residents and visitors looking for information about the seven FIFA World Cup matches coming to Massachusetts this summer.

Gov. Maura Healey unveiled the online hub Wednesday during a press conference in Framingham. The site includes transportation options, public health and safety tips, and World Cup related announcements.

“ I can promise you that this is going be a safe, secure, and successful World Cup here in Massachusetts,” she said.

Healey said the state has secured $76 million dollars in federal funding for World Cup security and preparedness, and 70 agencies are working together for safety planning around the games.

“ We want people to know what to expect and how they can participate, and we want to reassure everyone that safety is our top priority,” Healey said.

Massachusetts Secretary of Public Safety and Security Gina Kwon said safety planning “has been going on for well over a year.”

“ Local, state, federal, regional, and private sector partners have been working closely together to prepare for one of the largest and most complex international events our region has ever hosted,” Kwon said.

Kwon said the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency will centralize communications between the different agencies involved in the event.

Specifics on law enforcement’s plans during the matches were not given but   Massachusetts State Police Colonel Jeff Noble said his agency “ will deploy a comprehensive, multi-layered security plan in coordination with our local, state, and federal partners”.

Noble said people can expect to see  uniformed troopers, canine units and aerial support. He also said personnel “ that you can't see will be working behind the scenes and around the complex to identify and respond to potential threats.”

Healey said she's looking forward to welcoming people to the state for the matches this summer.

“ I know the resources that I have gone into making this a safe and secure and successful World Cup in Massachusetts and I feel really confident in our teams.”