Proposal Would Create 'Third World Transportation System,' Says Conflicted Somerville Rep.

Somerville State Rep. Denise Provost said she was "disgusted and angry" when she learned of a transportation financing proposal advanced by legislative leadership on April 2.

The proposal called for $500 million in revenue to fund transportation projects, but it fell short of the $1.9 billion proposed by Gov. Deval Patrick to pay for transportation and education needs.

Provost called the $500 million plan "inadequate," and yet she was torn on whether or not to vote for the proposal.

Provost spoke to Somerville Patch Thursday, and as of Friday—when this post was written—the Massachusetts House of Representatives was planning to debate the bill on Monday.

"I'm very torn on whether to vote for it or not," the representative said.

"It's the only funding proposal before us. And it is insufficient. It is inadequate," she said.

"It's hardly even a bird in the hand; it's a feather in the hand, but it is revenue," Provost added.

She asked in regard to the bill, "What is my responsibility? ... To vote for some revenue, or to turn up my nose" because it's not enough revenue?

"It would leave us with a third world transportation system," she said.

She also said "it does" put federal funding for the Green Line Extension at risk.

On Friday, Patrick spoke to WBUR and reaffirmed he would veto the $500 million proposal, but he also said he was open to compromises.

Somerville Patch contacted the offices of Reps. Timothy Toomey and Carl Sciortino, who also represent Somerville, to seek their thoughts on the proposal. As of Friday afternoon they had not responded to those requests.