BOSTON - The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has filed a Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report for Phase I of the Southcoast Rail Project.

MassDOT filed the report on April 30 with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The final report was filed after the public comment period on the draft report, which was submitted on January 31. The final report contains responses to comments and updated findings.

After the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act review of the report, MassDOT and the MBTA will respond to conditions of the Certificate and continue to work on Phase I design and permitting.

Phase I of Southcoast Rail calls for diesel-powered trains in New Bedford and Fall River connecting with existing commuter rail in Middleboro. Officials expect the service to be up and running by 2022.

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