Somerville Rep. Questions Fairness of GE Deal, Green Line Cuts

SOMERVILLE, MA -- A Somerville state representative is questioning the fairness of Green Line extensioncutbacks in light of the state's contribution to upgrading a new General Electric headquarters.

In her newsletter to constituents, State Rep. Denise Provost, a Democrat, asked readers to "consider that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts recently committed up to $120 million in direct grants for infrastructure improvements related to the new General Electric headquarters in Boston - including for new vehicles, dispatch software, and other services for the Seaport Transportation Management Association. Another $25 million of the total is committed to GE for other "improvements," which could include a parking garage, water shuttles facilities, and/or a helipad."

Somerville recently pledged $50 million to make up for cost overruns in the long delayed extension. The extension was mandated by law as part of Big Dig construction.

Provost continued, "So what does the existence of the agreement between GE and the Baker administration show? First of all, that if the political will is there, the dollars can be found. Secondly, why should folks in the GLX corridor get cleaner air, and a one-seat commute to Boston, when GE officials want a helipad? It's all about priorities - and our governor has made his clear.

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