Green Line Extension More Costly Than First Thought

BOSTON (AP) _ The price tag for the MBTA's planned Green Line extension into Somerville and Medford could come in at up to $1 billion more than first estimated.

The cost to the state for the expansion was initially projected at about $2.3 billion.

MBTA officials told reporters on Monday that the cost could balloon by an additional $700 to $1 billion, putting the future of the project in question.

The 4.7-mile project calls for the construction of six new stations, the relocation of one existing station, and the purchase of new light rail vehicles,

State transit officials are looking at a range of options, from redesigning the project, coming up with additional funding, renegotiating with the contractor, or abandoning the extension.

Federal officials have already promised nearly $996 million to the project.