“State to go ahead with scaled-down Green Line extension” (Boston Globe)
“State transportation officials voted Monday to move forward with a scaled-back version of the embattled Green Line extension, but they made clear that they could still cancel the project if the state runs into more trouble financing it….
‘We’ve got a way forward, and let’s take that path forward,’ said Robert Moylan, a member of the MassDOT board. ‘We are not going to be the board that will deny the project. The project will be denied on its own weight if it doesn’t come in on its own budget.'”
“Scaled-Down Plan For The Green Line Extension Will Move Forward” (WBUR)
“The new plan, which is estimated to cost $2.3 billion, will go to the Federal Transit Administration, which also must approve the modified proposal….State transportation officials will also need to ensure the financing is realized for the new estimated project cost.”
“The Green Line extension is moving forward, but the saga is far from over” (Boston.com)
“On paper, we have a plan for preparing and delivering it, but there are still some money problems that need to be resolved before the boards are ready to sign on the dotted lines,” Pollack told reporters following the meeting. “The boards’ clear preference is to proceed with the project if there’s a way to pay for it.”
“GLX gets crucial go-ahead vote, but with strict conditions” (Somerville Journal)
“Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone said he was ‘satisfied’ with the vote and was ready to move on to the next steps. ‘There’s plenty of optimism to be had here, we’re going to keep it going,’ he said after the meeting. ‘I feel really good about it. There will be a ribbon-cutting some day,’ he added.”
“Green Line Extension Plan Inches Ahead” (Boston Patch)
“Despite slim hopes of an up or down vote Monday, the MBTA and MassDOT boards first forwarded the project to the Federal Transit Administration, awaiting its stamp of approval before formally moving ahead. The boards also voted to begin work on a new finance plan and project management system in interim. Additionally, board members made clear the project could yet be axed, should it come in above budget.”
“Board approves scaled back Green Line extension with conditions” (WCVB with video)
“Officials Vote To Take Next Step On Green Line Extension” (CBS Boston with video)
“MBTA Green Line extension project budget balloons to $2.3B” (Boston Herald)
“MBTA board approves scaled-back $2.29 billion Green Line Extension proposal” (MassLive)