December 21, 2017

Warren, Markey, Capuano Applaud Release of $100M in Federal Funding for Green Line Extension

Washington, DC - United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Congressman Michael E. Capuano (D-Mass.) today applauded the decision by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to release $100 million in federal funding for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's (MassDOT) and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) Green Line Extension (GLX). Senators Warren, Markey and Congressman Capuano fought hard to secure this funding in the Fiscal Year 2017 Appropriations bill.  

"I am glad to hear that the Department of Transportation will be releasing this critical funding for the Green Line Extension project," said Senator Warren.  "This key infrastructure investment will go a long way towards bringing better transit options, jobs, and economic growth to Somerville, Medford, and all of Greater Boston.  Securing federal funding for the Green Line Extension has been a top priority of mine since I first came to Washington and I am pleased to see the project move forward."
 
"This funding will help to fulfill a promise made to the people of Massachusetts to expand the Greenline and improve this vital transportation artery for residents, visitors, commuters, and workers," Senator Markey said. "Federal infrastructure investments like this give a green light to communities of opportunity across the Commonwealth. I thank Senator Warren and Congressman Capuano for their continued advocacy for these important funds."

"I am very pleased that the FTA has formally approved the Green Line Extension's updated project financing plan, which makes the $1 billion in previously secured federal funds available to the state. With today's announcement, the environmental, economic and transit benefits of the GLX are much closer to being realized," stated Rep. Mike Capuano.

The GLX Project will extend the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Green Line from a relocated Lechmere Station in East Cambridge, Massachusetts to Union Square in Somerville and College Avenue in Medford. Bringing MBTA light rail service to this corridor will greatly improve local and regional mobility, address longstanding transportation inequities, result in fewer automobiles on local roads, and help to combat greenhouse gas emissions and other components of air pollution. The GLX Project will also support municipal plans for sustainable growth and urban redevelopment and provide community residents with faster rides to jobs and other destinations.

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