Yesterday, the Patrick Administration unveiled a menu of options for plugging the gap in the state’s transportation budget, based on the findings of a report prepared by MassDOT, titled “The Way Forward: A 21st Century Transportation Plan.”
The MassDOT report calls for $1.02 billion in new revenue per year in order to fund our transportation system, and also details the necessary projects and repairs that will need to take place so that we can sustain economic growth and opportunity for everyone in Massachusetts. This is expected to kick off a serious conversation about our transportation system over the next few months.
Here are a few excerpts from The Way Forward (You can read the full MassDOT report here):
The consequences of not taking any action are grave. The Massachusetts transportation system is struggling under the unsustainable burden of billions of dollars of debt and deferred maintenance. If we do not act, we will be faced with further deterioration of our transportation system, increased congestion, and service cuts and drastic fare hikes on public transportation.
Now is the time for you to make your voice heard—here’s what you can do to support critical transportation investments:
1. Email your legislators using this easy-to-use template.
2. Submit a letter to the editor or call into talk radio.
3. Keep the conversation going on social media: MAPC on Facebook , T4MA on Facebook , MAPC on Twitter, and T4MA on Twitter.
4. Stay in the loop: click here to receive invitations to events, action alerts, and more.