$2.2 billion in South Coast Rail bonding approved by House; funding not guaranteed
http://www.tauntongazette.com/article/20140130/NEWS/140139608/1994/NEWS
Gov. Deval Patrick speaks to the media after announcing that a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers environmental report says adding on to the Stoughton commuter rail line would be the most environmentally friendly option.
$2.2 billion in South Coast Rail bonding approved by House; funding not guaranteed
A 151-0 vote by the House on Wednesday night authorized $2.2 billion in South Coast Rail project funding as part of a $12 billion transportation bonding package, legislators said.
The measure now goes before the Senate,. While it authorizes borrowing, it does not guarantee all of the projects under the package will be funded.
Priorities will rest with Gov. Deval Patrick, who continues to be a staunch advocate of South Coast Rail. Patrick will remain in office for the next 11 months.
State Rep. William Straus, D-Mattapoisett, co-chairman of the Joint Committee on Transportation, said the bond authorization vote to bring commuter rail from Fall River and New Bedford to South Station represents a milestone for this project.