City Council Rips State Leaders on Transportation Funding

Legislative leaders and local state representatives were taken to task Thursday by the City Council, over their treatment of the Southcoast Rail project.

Several councilors blasted House leadership and local representatives for supporting a weakened transportation bill, that does little for advancing Southcoast Rail. Councilor-at-large Brian Gomes was among those who didnt hold back in criticizing the legislature.

Councilor-at-large Denis Lawrence says he's disappointed in the effort of the local delegation.

Governor Deval Patrick has threatened to veto the bill, calling it "insufficient". The City Council is asking for other cities and towns that would benefit from Southcoast Rail to join together, and become a unified voice for the project.

It's also looking into possible legal action to guarantee funding for a rail extension to the city.