Legislative Leaders Hold Forum On Southcoast Rail

Legislative leaders held a forum at the University of Massachusetts Law School on Friday about the current state of the Southcoast Rail project.

The main topic of discussion focused on a proposed Middleboro route which State Rep. William Strauss of Mattapoisett, who also chairs the Legislature's Joint Committee on Transportation, called a more cost effective route that faces fewer obstacles than a Stoughton route would.

“At least we’re in an active railroad corridor that’s in use today, fully owned by the Commonwealth, that makes this a real possibility,” said Strauss “and because of the equipment that would be used, it would be much cheaper.”

State Rep. Antonio Cabral of New Bedford says he thinks the MBTA is likely to give the project a second look but says more information is needed.

“I’m pretty confident that they will make a decision to another second look at this alternative, and then we have to wait for what kind of study they’re going to do and give us in the information that we need,” said Cabral “I think we should look at it, if that’s what they feel ought to be done, but give us information to make better decisions.”

The MBTA's fiscal board is likely to discuss the issue during a meeting on Monday.