$85M For Newton’s Commuter Rail Stations Included In Budget Proposal

NEWTON, MA — A total of $85 million to reconstruct Newton’s three MBTA Commuter Rail stations is included in the Baker-Polito Administration’s $1.7 billion Fiscal Year 2022 supplemental budget, filed on Wednesday.

The supplemental budget, supported by state tax revenues that exceed FY22 benchmarks through April by $4.23 billion, proposes investments in transportation, housing, environmental infrastructure, economic development, child care and education initiatives.

“Unprecedented Fiscal Year 2022 revenues afford us this opportunity to make targeted investments in some of the Commonwealth’s most pressing areas of need,” Governor Charlie Baker said in a statement. “With rising prices due to inflation, ongoing supply chain issues, and other pandemic-related delays impacting both the time and cost it takes to complete projects, it is critically important that we act quickly to ensure that we are able to maximize the impact of these surplus tax dollars for the citizens of Massachusetts and expedite our response to critical needs.”

In Newton, this means that the Commuter Rail stations in Auburndale, West Newton, and Newtonville would receive reliability and modernization improvements.

"Thrilled to have @MassGovernor Charlie Baker include $85M for reconstruction of Newton's 3 @MBTA_CR commuter rail stations to provide frequent and accessible service,” Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said in a Tweet. "Shout outs to @RepKayKhan, @RepAuchincloss and @cindycreem.

For more information on projects funded in the FY22 supplemental budget, click here.