"Green Line Extension moves toward key milestones" "Although federal funding remains up in the air, state Transportation Secretary Richard Davey has remained committed to fully funding the entire project....If the state loses out on a federal New Starts grant, then other projects will take a back seat in order to fund the extension of the Green Line."
Many were on hand Monday to celebrate the extension from Cedar Street to Lowell Street. Construction is scheduled for completion in fall 2013.
Phase I work is underway, including utility work and excavation support work northeast of Harvard Street Bridge in Medford.
It is a critical time to let your legislators know that you want a real solution to the state’s transportation finance situation to address current fiscal needs, meet needed Chapter 90 funds for cities and towns, address state of good repair needs, procure needed new equipment and fund the Green Line extension.
STEP has written the following letter, which anyone is more than welcome to use, modify, or add to.
Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance: "Half a loaf: the Legislature's transportation plan" "I believed that we had the chance to set a visionary course for a post-Big Dig transportation system. It's like having the opportunity to invest in an exciting new business, but instead you just pay off one of your credit cards." Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center: "The Joint Ways &…
Boston Globe: "Legislative transportation plan puts Green Line grant at risk, MBTA says" "State House News Service reported that Patrick administration officials were warning that the legislative plan would eventually force 'steep' fare and toll hikes as well as force the state to pick up a larger share of the Green Line project." Somerville Patch: "MBTA: Federal Funding for Green Line…
Boston Globe: "MBTA: Legislative transit plan would cost $500 million in Green Line project funding" "The proposal released yesterday does not appear to provide funding for the MBTA's 'state of good repair,' work, meaning the Federal Transit Administration is not likely to fund any portion of the cost of the $1.3 billion project," MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo said in an email.…
Boston Globe: "Mass. legislative leaders unveil $500m tax plan to shore up transportation system" The plan, while it represents a significant tax increase, falls far short of the $1.9 billion tax hike that Governor Deval Patrick has been seeking and would not fund the major expansion of rail and road projects that the governor wants. Kristina Egan, director of Transportation for…