Will MASSDOT Pull The Plug On The South Coast Rail Project?

It appears the South Coast Rail project may be, as former Mayor Scott Long tells me, "dead as a doornail," yet not everyone seems willing to accept that prognosis.

Several years ago the Massachusetts Legislature voted to authorize the former Patrick Administration to bond for the rail project, it did not.  Since, current Governor Charlie Baker has made it abundantly clear that given the fiscal nightmare that is the MBTA and the state of the Commonwealth's infrastructure, projects that do not currently have a funding source are just not going to happen right now. You cannot be more clear than that.

Last month the Massachusetts Department of Transportation gave preliminary approval to a five year capitol investment plan that did include some 148 million dollars for further design work for the train.  Since that time a lot of arm twisting has occurred and it appears a revised version, to be unveiled this week may not include the line item.

Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President Eileen McAnneny tells me there will be no additional funds for the rail project but South Coast Rail Project Director Jean Fox tells me such talk is, "premature."  House Speaker Pro-Tempore Patricia Haddad (D-Somerset) says, "I would be surprised to hear they have scrapped it," but Fall River Office of Economic Development Director Ken Fiola  tells me, "if true, not surprising as there is a movement afoot for a Middleboro extension."  Assistant Senate Majority Whip Michael Rodriques (D-Westport) simply says, "more to come."

With or without the 148 million the project is on life support and is extremely unlikely to be financed anytime soon.  The legislative delegation should focus it's attention on winning financing for much needed projects like the replacement of the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge and expansion of the airport.  Those are projects that could have a immediate economic impact on the region rather than continuing to wait for funding for a train that may or may not ever arrive at the station.