STEP’s letter to conference committee on transportation finance

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Comments on H.3382, An Act relative to transportation finance
The Honorable Conference Committee Members:
I am writing as a citizen of the Commonwealth and as President of the Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership (STEP) to urge you to provide the full revenue needed to restore the Commonwealth’s transportation system to a state of good repair, and to meet the critical maintenance needed on an ongoing basis so we do not face the same funding deficit in a couple of years. We strongly urge ending the practice of using bond funds to pay the salary of operating employees, and support providing sufficient funds for transportation expansion projects. Such projects are needed to maintain a competitive economic climate for the state and to serve our aging population with adequate transportation services.

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Boston Globe: Green Line Extension progress

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"Green Line Extension moves toward key milestones" "Although federal funding remains up in the air, state Transportation Secretary Richard Davey has remained committed to fully funding the entire project....If the state loses out on a federal New Starts grant, then other projects will take a back seat in order to fund the extension of the Green Line."

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Tell legislators you want a real solution for transportation financing!

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It is a critical time to let your legislators know that you want a real solution to the state’s transportation finance situation to address current fiscal needs, meet needed Chapter 90 funds for cities and towns, address state of good repair needs, procure needed new equipment and fund the Green Line extension.
STEP has written the following letter, which anyone is more than welcome to use, modify, or add to.

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Great perspectives on the transportation funding challenge

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Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance: "Half a loaf: the Legislature's transportation plan" "I believed that we had the chance to set a visionary course for a post-Big Dig transportation system. It's like having the opportunity to invest in an exciting new business, but instead you just pay off one of your credit cards." Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center: "The Joint Ways &…

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More coverage of inadequate transportation funding plan, including potential veto

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Boston Globe: "Legislative transportation plan puts Green Line grant at risk, MBTA says" "State House News Service reported that Patrick administration officials were warning that the legislative plan would eventually force 'steep' fare and toll hikes as well as force the state to pick up a larger share of the Green Line project." Somerville Patch: "MBTA: Federal Funding for Green Line…

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Legislative plan could endanger Green Line funding

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Boston Globe: "MBTA: Legislative transit plan would cost $500 million in Green Line project funding" "The proposal released yesterday does not appear to provide funding for the MBTA's 'state of good repair,' work, meaning the Federal Transit Administration is not likely to fund any portion of the cost of the $1.3 billion project," MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo said in an email.…

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