Following years of delays and constant lobbying by local officials, the Green Line extension project got a boost last week with Gov. Deval Patrick's announcement of a $2.9 billion bond bill that authorizes state funding for construction.
Once the work is completed, the Green Line will stop in Medford and Somerville.
According to Somerville's Executive Director of Communications Tom Champion, the bill sets forth concrete guarantees for a project that has long suffered setbacks. Originally slated for completion in 2011 as a means of offsetting increased traffic and environmental stresses resulting from the Big Dig, the date was later pushed back to 2014.
Recently, local politicians feared further delays of up to two years when Patrick said he intended to seek federal funding for the construction.
There was not much opposition to the concept of seeking extra money, but the project's supporters adamantly opposed any setbacks that might have accompanied the process.
"Going after federal funds created the possibility that there would be further delays," Champion said.
Last week's announcement, however, allows the $600 million project to begin with or without federal assistance, as it includes authorization for full state funding and aims to keep the 2014 deadline.
According to Erik Abell, a spokesperson for the state's Executive Office of Transportation, Patrick's administration will still seek federal funding.
"As [the bill] was drafted, it would provide full state funding for the project; however, that does not prevent us from continuing to seek federal funding," he said. "We'll continue to pursue it until either we do secure it or there wouldn't be any other options."
As it appears this will not delay the project, Patrick's bill has been very well received by city officials.
"We're all very excited about it," Champion said. "It has always been a logical and very prudent idea to extend the Green Line into Somerville and Medford." Champion called the extension one of the most important transit projects in the region.
The commitment to funding was "an important message to hear," he said.
City officials here have been determined in their push to get the state to honor its commitments to the Green Line. Champion said the project is of dual importance, as it relates to "environmental justice" and "important economic development."
Because of the environmental impact of the Big Dig and the hassle of increased traffic flow in Medford and Somerville, the extension's completion has been a high priority for both cities' governments.
In 2006, the Conservation Law Foundation, a New England-based environmental advocacy organization, sued the state for failing to uphold its commitments. That case was settled out of court when then-Gov. Mitt Romney promised the 2014 completion deadline.
On Oct. 11 of this year, Patrick said he would honor Romney's deadline, according to Champion. Last week's bill was a more specific step towards fulfilling that promise.
Champion commended Patrick's efforts, and said the bill "confirms that he really is determined to see this project through."
Abell agreed. "The governor has committed to the Green Line project and has made tangible steps towards realizing that project," he said.
The bill, which Patrick hopes to supplement with $1.9 billion of federal funding, also includes funding for other investment in state transportation. The most significant commitment is $1.3 billion for the improvement of roads and bridges.
"I would ... like to recognize the governor's visionary plan to address infrastructure costs throughout the entire state," Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone said, according to the Somerville Journal. "This transportation bond bill is a wise investment not only in transportation systems but also in our environment and in our long-term economic health."
According to Champion, the state and local governments have had a productive working relationship under Patrick's administration.
"He has, far more than any recent governor, been consulting with and working with mayors," Champion said. "He understands how important this [project] is to the region."
