Briefing: Public Transit Improvements
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced earlier this month that Massachusetts will receive more than $64.3 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. That money will be invested into improvements to public transit across the state, with more than $43 million specifically designated to commuter rail.
What is the background of this plan?
These improvements reflect Gov. Deval Patrick’s Massachusetts Recovery Plan, in which the Governor stated that immediate relief could come by “investing in road, bridge and rail projects that put people to work today and providing safety net services that sustain people who are especially vulnerable during an economic crisis.”
What are the standard commuter rail improvements?
Approximately $5.25 million will be delegated for improvements to commuter rail stations, which includes platforms, lighting and signage. Another $3 million will be spent on repairs to commuter rail bridges. And $8 million will be devoted to general facilities improvements, including repairs and upgrades.
How will Central Massachusetts be affected?
The Fitchburg commuter rail line will receive $10.2 million for interlocking work. This will provide improved reliability and on-time performance and will also prepare the line for a future, double-tracking project, which will be funded by stimulus dollars.
What does the future hold?
Currently, 64 percent of recovery act funding to states is in the health field. By fiscal year 2012, however, only 1 percent of state and local recovery act funding will be dedicated to the health field. Transportation, which currently receives 8 percent, will receive 30 percent in 2012.
Other areas that will see increases in stimulus funding in the next three years are: energy and the environment (up from 1 percent today to 17 percent in 2012); community development (up from 3 percent today to 16 percent in 2012); and income security (up from 6 percent today to 17 percent in 2012).
Stimulus funding for states in 2012 is expected to be about $23 billion.
Click here to read more about the state's plans for Recovery Act funds.
Click here to learn more about the future of the Recovery Act.
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