Last year the Conservation Law Foundation sued the state for not keeping its transportation commitments, and today a settlement was announced in which the state confirmed its commitment to extend the Green Line in two spurs to Medford and to Union Square by 2014. Other projects were announced or confirmed as well, including the completion of the Greenbush commuter line, improvements to the Blue Line, and design of a Red-Blue Line connnector. The deal also creates more public participation in the construction of the projects.
Boston Globe: “State, Environmental group settle lawsuit”
Boston Herald: “Green Line to make tracks into Medford and Somerville”
CLF: Press release, Settlement Agreement (PDF), New SIP Transit System Improvements Regulations (PDF)
“Today, the Commonwealth has made a strong commitment to public transportation and air quality, helping to improve the health and well-being of residents throughout the Boston region,” said CLF president Phil Warburg in a statement. “For the communities long promised relief, it’s the beginning of a light at the end of the tunnel.”