State Re-Commits to MBTA Expansion

While the MBTA faces extensive budget slashing and service cuts, the Mitt Romney administration today committed to major T expansion -- commitments originally made nearly two decades ago. In the late 1980's as the Commonwealth sought federal funding for then-fledgling Big Dig, the state was required to commit to a number of mass-transit related projects in order to mitigate the environmental and traffic related impacts of this major undertaking. Among the promised projects was restoration of the Arborway extension of the Green E line, increased service through South Boston, Dorchester, and Mattapan on the Fairmont Indigo line, and extension of the Green Line from Lechmere though Union Square into Medford.

For years, these projects sat on the back-burner unfulfilled while local battles raged in anger. Many times the State tried to renege on its commitments through modified projects like bus service instead of light rail. It even got to the point where the Conservation Law Foundation filed suit against the Commonwealth, demanding that the expansion begin.

Bostonist was fortunate enough to be a press conference in Somerville's Union Square this morning where Lt. Governor Kerry Healy spoke with other State and Local officials to announce that Commonwealth Development Secretary Doug Foy and Transportation Secretary John Cogliano have recommended final and full completion of these promises to the State Office of Environmental Planning. This increased rail service would not only drastically increase rail service in three poorly underserved areas, but are expected to have huge environmental impacts as well. In East Somerville which has among the highest asthma rates in the state, the Green Line extension would cut vehicle miles through the city by roughly 64,000 per day.

No word yet where the funding will come from. U.S. Congressman Mike Capuano, however, who represents all three areas and sits on the House Transportation Committee, has promised to fight hard in Washington for Federal funds.

Update:Apparently, Bostonist misunderstood. The Administration is not recomending the Arborway extension, only the Somerville/Medford Greenline and the Fairmont upgrades.