Bond Bill Contains Funding for Southcoast Rail And Route 18

A newly passed Conference Committee version of a Transportation Bond Bill includes hundreds of millions of dollars for projects in the Southcoast.

The big ticket item of course is $2.3 billion to extend commuter rail service to New Bedford and Fall River. But State Senator Mark Montigny tells WBSM News, there is funding for other projects as well, like $5 million to extend improvements southward on Route 18....

Another $5 million has been set aside to construct a walkway on top of the New Bedford-Fairhaven Hurricane Barrier.

There is also funding to conduct a study on repairs and improvements to the State Pier, and who is best equipped to manage and operate the facility. The governor has the final say on when the money will be spent.