Mass. Pressing Ahead With South Coast Rail Project

BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Deval Patrick says he's pushing ahead with plans to build a commuter rail along the state's south coast.

On Monday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released its final environmental review of the proposed rail line, marking another milestone for the project.

Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Richard Davey called the report's release "a critical step forward in obtaining the environmental clearances" the state and MBTA need to bring commuter rail service to south coast residents.

Davey said the state continues to support a route through Stoughton as the preferred path for the rail. He said it provides the best transportation, environmental and development benefits.

Davey said the state can now develop final design plans for the project, which will provide a link between Boston and the cities of Taunton, New Bedford and Fall River.

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