$12B Transportation Bond Bill OKs Funds For Mass. Road, Rail And Subway Projects
BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a $12.8 billion transportation bond bill that could help trigger construction on several high-profile transportation projects.
The bill lets the state borrow money for a range of ideas, many of which have been on the drawing board for years, including a $2.3 billion expansion of commuter rail service to the South Coast.
The bill also authorizes $325 million for improvements to Boston's South Station, and calls for the rail hub to be renamed The Governor Michael S. Dukakis Transportation Center in honor of the former governor.
The bill also includes up to $1.3 billion to extend the MBTA's Green Line to Medford, and $2.5 billion to purchase new Red Line and Orange Line trains.
The bill would also increase penalties for MBTA fare evaders.
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