Green Line Extension Is a Priority, Indicates MassDOT Head

If the Green Line Extension doesn't receive federal funding, other transportation projects in the state might take "a back seat" in order to fund the light rail project to Medford, according to Boston.com.

The news website said Richard Davey, the Massachusetts secretary of transportation, is committed to funding the entire Green Line Extension project.

The state is working on an application to seek $557 million in federal funds to complete the project, but if that money doesn't come through, "That probably means some other project doesn't get done, or gets pushed off," Davey said, according to Boston.com.

Boston.com said the state plans to submit an official application for funding to the Federal Transit Administration's New Starts program sometime in the first half of 2014.

Read the Boston.com article here.

A number of variables could affect the project's ability to secure New Starts funding, including resolution, at the state level, about funding transportation infrastructure and the MBTA in the long term.

Boston.com also notes New Starts funding has shrunk in recent years, and sequestration could impact the federal transportation program.

Massachusetts will elect a new governor in 2014, and the new administration could have different priorities.

According to Davey, the state has already set aside funding to extend the Green Line to Union Square and Washington Street in Somerville, a process that would also include building a new Lechmere Station in Cambridge, boston.com reported. That part of the project is scheduled to be complete in 2017 and would cost about $340 million.

More

MBTA: Federal Funding for Green Line at Risk Under Recent Proposal

Gov. Patrick Denounces 'Naysayers' at Green Line Extension Kickoff Celebration

Green Line Extension Takes Step Forward With Feds