A Southcoast lawmaker, Mattapoisett Democrat William Straus,  has been named to a conference committee to resolve differences between the House and Senate verisons of a State Transportation bill. 

Both branches this month approved legislation that calls for $500-million in transportation spending.  Both versions also includes language that mandates the building of Southcoast Rail. 

Governor Deval Patrick had initially pledged to veto bill, claiming it was not enough to address the Commonwealth's transportation needs. 

Rep. Straus is hoping the Governor will have a change of heart.....

Straus says the House and Senate versions contain some minor differences, but he believes they can be resolved quickly. 

Straus is the House Chairman of the legislature's Transportation Committee.

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