The following letter was written in response to Gov. Deval Patrick signing the Transportation Reform Act.
Now that the Governor has signed the state’s new Transportation Reform Act into law, it’s time to report on the Act. This comprehensive Transportation Act was passed by the Massachusetts legislature on June 18, and signed Governor Patrick on June 26; most of its provisions become effective on November 1, 2009. So far, the Transportation Act’s reorganizational aspects have drawn all the attention. The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority is abolished, and all of the state’s other transportation agencies except the Massachusetts Port Authority (MassPort) are placed under the authority of a new Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). MassDOT will be directed by a five member board, to be appointed by the Governor.
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