“Our Administration continues to work towards delivering a more dependable and efficient transit system as well as improved customer service for our commuters in this region and across the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “These new locomotives are more fuel efficient and more reliable, improving on-time performance for the benefit of commuters.”

By employing new technology that makes the engines more fuel efficient and prevents unnecessary idling, the new locomotives will reduce nitrogen oxide levels by 20 tons per engine annually. Each locomotive in the existing fleet burns 228,000 gallons of fuel per year, resulting in the release of 241 tons of nitrogen oxide. These new locomotives will burn about 36,500 fewer gallons while generating more horsepower. The energy savings will be about $78,000 a year per locomotive.

In June 2010, the MassDOT Board of Directors approved the purchase of an additional 20 new diesel-electric locomotives from Motive Power, Inc. of Boise, Idaho at a cost of $114 million. The 20 new locomotives will be brought into service in 2013 to replace the 20 oldest units in the fleet.

“Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray have a proven commitment to improving the Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure after years of neglect, and these new diesel-electric locomotives are a great example of that commitment,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Jeffrey Mullan.

“The addition of new locomotives to the fleet brings immediate benefits to our customers and the environment,” said MBTA General Manager Richard Davey. “Improved on time performance, energy efficiency, and an overall improvement to the customer’s commuting experience are all positives to be applauded.”

The MBTA commuter rail fleet operates under a contract with the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company. The fleet consists of 410 coaches including 140 bi-level and 270 single coaches, and 80 locomotives. The fleet ranges in age from 7 to 29 years. Commuter rail service carries approximately 148,000 customers round-trip each weekday.

For transportation news and updates, visit the MassDOT website at www.mass.gov/massdot, the MassDOT blog at www.mass.gov/blog/transportation or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot.

When completed, Yawkey Station will be a full-service commuter rail station with full-length accessible station platforms providing access from Beacon Street and Brookline Avenue and more than doubling service on the Worcester-Framingham Commuter Rail Line from 17 to 40 stops per day. The station construction is expected to create 150-200 jobs.

The planned Fenway Center development project includes air rights development over Interstate 90 and will create significant pedestrian and green space improvements while providing transit and office space in the Longwood Medical and Fenway area. The project includes more than 330 apartments, 370,000 square feet of office space, 150,000 square feet of retail space, more than 30,000 square feet of park space, and more than 1,000 parking spaces.

“Strategic investments in public transportation revitalize neighborhoods,” said Governor Patrick. “This project will serve thousands of people commuting to work in the Longwood Medical area, one of the fastest growing and most important job creation engines in Massachusetts.”

“Improving and expanding commuter rail service is a critical component of our administration’s transportation reform efforts in Boston and across the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “Today’s groundbreaking marks a major step forward for increased service along the Worcester-Framingham commuter rail line and also investment in a key transit-oriented development project that will yield benefits for the Boston community and beyond.”

“The new Yawkey Station is going to bring real benefits to our city and improve how people access the Fenway and Longwood Medical Area,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. “It will make traveling to and from this area easier and ease traffic on city streets while also putting 200 people back to work through the construction. Separately, the new station signifies the beginning of the larger Fenway Center project, which will significantly transform the public realm between Kenmore Square, Fenway and the Audubon Circle with the creation of a number of new amenities including retail space, housing, and new green space.”

“Fenway Center is a great example of state government at work, planning for the future, and improving Massachusetts’ transportation infrastructure for economic growth. This is a great project for my constituents and for this district as it will revitalize and improve underused land in the heart of one of Boston’s most visible neighborhoods, and as a long-time proponent of this project I am overjoyed that Fenway Center is moving forward. I support multi-modal transportation and smart growth and the planned improvements to Yawkey Station demonstrate a strong commitment to these concepts. I know that commuters and the residents of the Fenway, Audubon Circle, and of Boston look forward to the completion of the station improvement and to the commencement of construction on the residential and commercial parts of the larger project,” said Senator Steven A. Tolman.

“The new Yawkey Commuter Rail Station is a significant public transit addition to the Fenway. With full service and regular stops a day on the Worcester-Framingham Commuter Line it will be as useful to my constituents, the residents of the Fenway, as it will be to our seasonal visitors, the Red Sox fans. The planned Fenway Center is now the first development in our neighborhoods that is tied to an actual improvement in public transportation. I hope this becomes the norm for 21st century major development in Boston,” said Representative Byron Rushing.

“The combination of a complete upgrade for Yawkey Station and a larger development project that includes residential, commercial, retail and parking space is a prime example of transit-oriented development and smart growth, a priority for the Governor and MassDOT,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Jeffrey Mullan.

Construction on the station will begin this year with completion slated for spring 2012. An extension of Yawkey Way will connect the station with shuttle buses that serve the Longwood Medical Area, creating an intermodal connection for thousands of employees. A bicycle share station and bicycle racks are also planned as part of the project.

The new Yawkey Station will be powered entirely by solar power, making it the Commonwealth’s first net-zero energy rail station. The solar power, transit improvements, bike amenities, and improved pedestrian connections support “GreenDOT,” a comprehensive environmental responsibility and sustainability initiative to make the Patrick-Murray Administration’s MassDOT a national leader in “greening” the state transportation system.

Intermodal transit projects are a part of the more than $4 billion infrastructure investments being made through the Administration’s Massachusetts Works initiative putting nearly 20,000 people to work across the Commonwealth this construction season.

To learn more about Massachusetts Works, visit www.mass.gov/governor/massworks. For additional information on how the Patrick-Murray Administration’s agenda has led Massachusetts out of a global recession sooner and stronger than the rest of the nation, visit www.mass.gov/governor/agenda.

For transportation news and updates, visit the MassDOT website at www.mass.gov/massdot, the MassDOT blog at www.mass.gov/blog/transportation or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot .

The $11.7 million Route 2 project in Orange is reconstructing and making safety improvements along 5 miles of Route 2, including rehabilitating and widening the Route 2 Bridge over Route 122. The project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The Patrick-Murray Administration’s MassDOT is widening the shoulder, extending the existing climbing lanes, and improving the acceleration and deceleration lanes and the alignments at various on/off ramps. In addition, the Route 2 Bridge over Route 122 will be widened and the superstructure replaced to accommodate the proposed widened climbing lane.

“The Route 2 projects are making lasting improvements to a vital corridor and are just some of the hundreds of infrastructure projects underway now to reverse the decades of neglect we inherited,” said Governor Patrick. “My Administration is focused on creating jobs, fostering economic development and strengthening public safety right here in Orange and in every community in the Commonwealth. That’s what governing for the long term is all about.”

“The Orange Route 2 safety improvements are precisely the type of highway project that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was intended to fund,” said Congressman John Olver. “This shovel ready project, championed by community members, has been sitting on the shelf for years awaiting funding. It will create jobs, build upon the Route 2 safety improvements that have already been completed, and dramatically increase the safety of travelers along this scenic route.”

“The six projects ongoing along Route 2 include investments not only from federal stimulus but also our statewide road and bridge repair program and Governor Patrick’s historic Accelerated Bridge Program,” said MassDOT Transportation Secretary Jeff Mullan. “We are completing hundreds of projects this year alone, representing a $1 billion investment in our future.”

The Route 2 project in Orange, scheduled for completion in 2012, is among six projects in MassDOT’s Route 2 Safety Improvement Initiative. For several years, MassDOT has partnered with the Route 2 Task force to implement improvements along the entire corridor, working from a regional perspective to reach consensus among the communities about how the corridor should look as a whole.

Other projects include:

•$2.5M reconstruction of Route 2 in Erving from River Road to Old Route 2.

•$1.5M construction of a new bridge carrying Route 2 over Lake Rohunta from Athol to Orange.

•$2.9M ARRA project for the resurfacing of Route 2 and other improvements in Erving, Gill, Orange, and Wendell.

•$5.3M reconstruction of two Route 2 bridges in Erving over Route 63 and the New England Central Railroad.

•The innovative $3.1M design/build ABP bridge replacement of Route 2 over Route 2A in Phillipston.

“I am thrilled that this money is being allocated to road and bridge projects along Route 2. This road is one of the main roads through my district and I travel it often. I am excited that this money will be used to improve infrastructure and increase the safety of travel along this route,” said Senator Stephen Brewer.

“Route 2 is vital to the prosperity of western Massachusetts and it is imperative that all levels of government work together to make it as safe as possible. I am pleased to be here today to highlight the progress we’ve made so far and to rededicate ourselves to the work that’s ongoing,” said Senator Stanley C. Rosenberg.

“Governor Patrick deserves the thanks of this entire region. After years of dragging along, he has moved Rt. 2 reconstruction ahead of schedule creating jobs, enhancing safety and making this area more attractive for business development. Governor Patrick’s leadership is helping our communities,” said Representative Christopher J. Donelan.

“I want to thank Congressman Olver and Governor Patrick for their advocacy and efforts in obtaining this funding for these important parts of the overall project. I am hopeful that protective fencing on the bridges can be included as part of this project for the safety of all motorists,” said Representative Anne M. Gobi.

“Route 2 is a major transportation link for western Massachusetts, and these improvements are a worthy investment that will enhance public safety, stimulate our economy, and provide better travel conditions for the public,” said Representative Stephen Kulik.

The statewide road and bridge program combined with the eight-year, $3 billion Accelerated Bridge Program and federal stimulus funds have more than doubled the Commonwealth’s investment in roads and bridges from $515 million in FY2007 to a projected $1.085 in FY2010.

The combined road and bridge construction program will support more than 10,000 jobs on 385 separate projects across the Commonwealth.

At the same time, MassDOT reduced the time from construction contract advertisement to construction start by more than 43 percent – a drop from 218 days in 2008 to 124 days in 2009. For ARRA projects, the timeline from construction contract advertisement to notice to proceed was reduced to 48 days, allowing MassDOT to put people to work on construction projects faster than ever before.

The road and bridge projects are a part of the more than $4 billion infrastructure investments being made as part of the Administration’s Massachusetts Works initiative to put nearly 20,000 people to work across the Commonwealth this construction season.

To learn more about Massachusetts Works, visit www.mass.gov/governor/massworks. For additional information on how the Patrick-Murray Administration’s agenda has led Massachusetts out of a global recession sooner and stronger than the rest of the nation, visit www.mass.gov/governor/agenda .

MassDOT’s TOD Infrastructure and Housing Support Program (“TOD Bond Program”) is intended to help create more compact, mixed-use, walkable development near transit stations. The TOD Bond Program provides financing for pedestrian improvements, bicycle facilities, housing projects and parking facilities within a quarter-mile of commuter rail, subway or bus stations, as well as ferry terminals.

The former 5.5-acre Brownfield site has been reclaimed and permitted as a TOD project for 199 residential units; 25 of which will be designated as affordable housing. The $50 million project is entirely funded by KSS Realty. Construction has started on the MaxPak site with demolition underway to prepare for construction of the first 15 housing units.

The MaxPak project is adjacent to the planned Green Line Extension, which will extend MBTA service to three densely-populated municipalities with high demand for public transit. The Green Line Extension is a significant economic development and transportation access improvement project for this key region of the Commonwealth.

As a result of the redevelopment of the MaxPak site, an extension of an existing Community Path is planned, encouraging alternative methods of transportation. The TOD grant funds a Community Path extension from Cedar Street to Lowell Street.

“MassDOT’s TOD grant program is designed for just this type of investment,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Jeffrey Mullan. “We are committed to helping create more compact, mixed-use, walkable development close to transit stations.”

“We’re delighted to have the Governor in Somerville again, especially announcing this additional support for the Community Path, which is such an important project for our city. It’s crucial to build the Community Path at the same time as the Green Line Extension, since they are complementary,” said Senator Patricia D. Jehlen.

“What we have here are two fantastic projects coming together thanks to the leadership and vision of the Patrick-Murray Administration. The Community Path is an immensely popular bicycle and pedestrian corridor through our city that links to the Minuteman Path west of Somerville” said Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. “This grant money will bring it right to the doorstep of the planned Green Line extension through Somerville, which is underway only because the Patrick-Murray Administration took charge after multiple previous administrations neglected it. And when you combine the popularity of Community Path with the impact of the Green Line extension, you get transformational development projects like what is taking place at the MaxPak site. This administration is building the infrastructure that will put Somerville on the path to success for decades to come.”

To learn more about Massachusetts Works, visit www.mass.gov/governor/massworks. For additional information on how the Patrick-Murray Administration’s agenda has led Massachusetts out of a global recession faster and stronger than the rest of the nation, visit www.mass.gov/governor/agenda.

MassDOT is the new, unified transportation organization created in 2009 under the historic reform legislation passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Patrick. MassDOT’s four divisions are focused on delivering safe and efficient transportation services across the Commonwealth. For transportation news and updates, visit the MassDOT website at www.mass.gov/massdot, the MassDOT blog at www.mass.gov/blog/transportation or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot.

In 2009 the DOT commenced a series of inquiries involving air charter brokers that were arranging air charter services for government agencies under the aegis of a General Services Administration (GSA) contract. The DOT’s initial position deemed it against the law for air charter brokers to act as agents of a government agency. However, for many years the GSA had awarded specific schedules to air charter brokers under which air charter services had been arranged. ACANA launched an aggressive campaign to inform and educate the DOT relative to the benefits and successful history of air charter brokers assisting government agencies with arranging air charter services.

ACANA provided a single, organized and unified response on behalf of the air charter brokerage community. The association also worked with the GSA in clarifying its position relating to government charter. Thus, on April 14, 2010 the DOT issued a final order granting certain air charter brokers with indirect air carrier status-specifically to provide air charter services on behalf of U.S. governmental agencies via a GSA award.

ACANA is pleased that the DOT has recognized that the air charter brokerage community continues to provide a valuable service to government agencies. The association’s role in influencing this policy change evidences its growing presence in promoting air charter brokerage standards and best practices.

About ACANA: The Air Charter Association of North America is a nonprofit organization consisting of the finest air charter service providers in the industry. Stringent membership requirements of ACANA ensure that its members adhere to the highest standards of ethics, integrity and professionalism. Providing a benchmark for excellence and professionalism for consumers is the association’s foremost priority.

For more information about ACANA, please visit www.flyacana.org .

News Source: Air Charter Association of North America :: This story was issued by Send2Press® and is Copyright © 2010 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

“After years of neglect, this historic investment is well on its way to rebuilding hundreds of the Commonwealth’s bridges, putting people to work and delivering projects faster and more efficiently than ever before,” said Governor Patrick.

Since May 2008, the number of structurally deficient bridges targeted by ABP has dropped more than 9%, down 49 bridges, from 543 to 494. At least 200 bridge projects will be completed during the eight-year program. The total value of ABP projects advertised to date exceeds $472 million.

“Though our administration inherited hundreds of structurally deficient bridges, we have and will continue to make significant investments to repair these bridges through the successful implementation of our Accelerated Bridge Program,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “By strategically investing in our infrastructure, we will not only improve the safety for our residents, but will also create immediate and needed jobs across the state.”

The I – 190 project in Worcester is repairing a structurally-deficient bridge carrying a heavily-traveled Interstate highway over Route 12 near the Greendale Mall in Worcester. The bridge is currently under construction as part of a $3.6 million contract to repair structurally deficient bridges in the Worcester region and will be removed from the structurally-deficient bridge list when completed.

“This bridge is a key transportation link and exchange, and is in dire need of these improvements. This project is a perfect example of targeted funding that has a wider impact for commuters from around the region,” said Senator Harriette Chandler.

“This project will enhance safety and provide the local and regional motorists traveling over this bridge way with assurance they expect and deserve. Investing in our state bridges will have a positive long-term impact on the Commonwealth and the interstate safety of our nation at large,” said Representative Jim O’Day.

“As a legislator for the city of Worcester, anything we can do to repair these deficient bridges is important for the public safety of people who use these passageways,” said Representative John Binienda.

“This is another example of the administration ensuring that local people have the opportunity to work on local projects,” said Representative Vincent Pedone.

In Central Massachusetts alone, the ABP Substructure Repair contracts total $11.2 million and have already removed 16 bridges from the structurally deficient list with repairs made to another 14 bridges, preventing those bridges from deteriorating and being added to the list. Work is also underway at three locations along the I-495 corridor where repairs will prevent a total of 6 bridges from becoming structurally-deficient. In total for the Central Massachusetts region alone, 18 bridges will be removed from the deficient list with another 20 repaired before they are added.

“We are putting people to work making our roads and bridges safer for drivers and residents in every corner of the Commonwealth,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Jeffrey Mullan. “Our team of dedicated employees is using innovative techniques and technologies to finish bridge repair and rehabilitation projects more efficiently than in the past.”

“Our MassDOT team is focused on improving safety by repairing our state’s structurally deficient bridges using cutting-edge innovation,” said MassDOT Highway Administrator Luisa Paiewonsky. “Our goal is to complete work and re-open the bridges as quickly as possible for drivers and neighboring residents.”

When taken together with the overall Massachusetts road and bridge program, the Commonwealth’s investment has more than doubled from $515 million in fiscal 2007 to a projected $1.085 billion in the current fiscal year. These record levels of investment are making much needed repairs while supporting jobs today and boosting long-term economic growth.

In addition, MassDOT is delivering more projects than ever on time and on budget. Under Governor Patrick’s leadership, MassDOT has reduced the time for construction contract advertisement to construction start from 218 days in 2008 to 124 days in 2009. Innovative construction techniques such as design-build and precast construction are delivering projects quicker and with less disruption to the community.

A total of 543 MassHighway and DCR bridges were structurally deficient when the Patrick-Murray Administration developed the Accelerated Bridge Program. Without the funding provided by ABP, that number would have increased to nearly 700 structurally deficient bridges by 2016. ABP will instead reduce the number of structurally-deficient bridges to approximately 450. The program will create thousands of engineering and construction jobs and provide long-term savings in avoided inflation and deferred maintenance costs.

The Patrick-Murray Administration provides the latest information on project progress on the interactive ABP website, www.mass.gov/acceleratedbridges.

The ABP Oversight Council established by legislation includes representatives from the MassDOT Highway Division and DCR and is required to establish project criteria, approve projects, monitor progress and report regularly to the Legislature.

The program is financed using $1.1 billion in grant anticipation notes, which borrow against anticipated future federal funding, and $1.9 billion in gas tax bonds to be repaid with existing gas tax revenues.

For transportation news and updates visit the MassDOT blog at www.mass.gov/blog/transportation or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot.

The $10.2 million ARRA investment will fund the first stage of the Fitchburg Commuter Rail Improvement Project that will improve speed, service and reliability on this important rail line. The projects, which include an additional $39 million in ARRA funding for double-tracking and $150 million in New Starts funding, will support the installation of new switches and signals as well as two new renovated stations and the reconstruction of existing track on the state’s oldest commuter rail line. The installation of a new universal crossover at the Leominster location is part of the early work program of the overall Fitchburg Line program and will enhance both freight and commuter rail operations in the region.

“This project will reduce travel time to and from Boston, greatly enhancing service for the region’s commuters and business that depend on this vital line,” said Governor Patrick. “Thanks in large part to Congressman Olver’s advocacy, we are using federal recovery dollars to make the kind of smart investments that put people to work immediately and give the regional economy a boost today and over the long term.”

“I would like to thank Governor Patrick for investing in commuter rail improvements for the North Central Region. ARRA funds were intended to create jobs and rebuild the nation’s infrastructure. The Governor’s commitment to commuter rail will do that and will also provide long-term economic and environmental benefits,” said Congressman John Olver.

“Infrastructure improvements to the Fitchburg Commuter Rail Line will strengthen passenger rail service, create new jobs, and build more livable communities in the North Central region as we continue to focus on regional economic growth opportunities,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “Thanks to Congressman Olver and our partners on the federal level for this stimulus award that will provide assistance to support strategic, long-term investments for the Commonwealth.”

“This customer-focused project is the first step in a larger project to increase capacity on the Fitchburg Commuter Rail Line,” said Jeffrey B. Mullan, Secretary and CEO of MassDOT. “It is a critical first step in modernizing the state’s oldest commuter rail line and improving service reliability to commuters who travel the 50-mile long corridor between Fitchburg and Boston.”

“Improving service on the Fitchburg line and reducing commuting time for constituents using the Shirley, Littleton, Ayer and South Acton train stations has been a top priority of mine since I first entered the Legislature in 2002. These improvements will foster economic development in the area, and make using the commuter rail a faster, more pleasant experience for my constituents,” said Senator Jamie Eldridge. “I want to thank Governor Patrick and our Congressional delegation for their help in securing the funding for this project.”

“This project dates back to the early 90′s when I was an Aide where I was fortunate to work with both my predecessors on this project. This ceremony symbolizes many years of hard work and dedication by all members of this delegation. We have always kept this project in the forefront of every discussion on Beacon Hill. This is a very proud day for the region,” said Senator Jennifer Flanagan.

“This demonstrates the extraordinary commitment that Congressman Olver has provided to the people of the North County. The enhancements to this public transportation system will provide a more fluid and rapid travel process both to and from Boston,” said Representative Stephen DiNatale.

“In addition to providing critical jobs during a difficult economic time this project will better serve my constituents by providing a more efficient and reliable commute. Investing in our public transportation infrastructure aids not only in the economic vitality of a region, but also allows residents to choose an environmentally friendly alternative to driving. It is a win – win for my district and the Commonwealth,” said Representative Jennifer Benson.

Funded with ARRA funds provided through the Federal Transit Administration, the project will have immediate economic impacts and lay the groundwork for improvements to track capacity and service reliability. When complete, the Fitchburg Commuter Rail Line Improvement Project will provide modernized, state-of-the-art infrastructure allowing 80 mile-per-hour travel speeds along the line, up to 12% better on-time performance and reduced operating and maintenance costs.

In November, Secretary Mullan and MBTA Acting General Manager Bill Mitchell announced the hiring of a diverse group of 15 employees with ARRA funds to support this project. The 15 Track Laborer jobs involve work relative to the construction of the track and right of way projects as part of the larger Fitchburg project to modernize the existing commuter rail line along the 50-mile corridor from Fitchburg to Boston. MBCR operates and maintains the commuter rail network under contract with the MBTA.

The Fitchburg Commuter Rail Line has the oldest infrastructure in the MBTA system. It also is the longest in terms of both distance and travel time and serves a region with limited commuter options.

Infrastructure investments are critical components of Governor Patrick’s Massachusetts Recovery Plan, which combines state, federal and, where possible, private efforts to provide immediate and long-term relief and position the Commonwealth for recovery in the following ways:

•Deliver immediate relief by investing in the road, bridge and rail projects that put people to work today and providing safety net services that sustain people who are especially vulnerable during an economic crisis;
•Build a better tomorrow through education and infrastructure investments that strengthen our economic competitiveness, prepare workers for the jobs of the future and support clean energy, broadband and technology projects that cut costs while growing the economy; and
•Reform state government by eliminating the pension and ethics loopholes that discredit the work of government and revitalize the transportation networks that have suffered from decades of neglect and inaction.

For transportation news and updates visit the EOT blog at www.mass.gov/blog/transportation .

“I am proud to stand here today with Congressman Markey to launch a project that will create jobs for today and tomorrow and bring long-term economic benefits to the city of Revere,” said Governor Patrick. “The Wonderland parking garage will improve access to the MBTA and bolster the Waterfront Square development, a project that promises to ignite new housing and commercial opportunities in this vital community.”

“The Wonderland Station project is at the heart of what the Economic Recovery Act is all about, putting people back to work in the near term while creating hundreds of permanent jobs right here in Revere,” said Congessman Markey, the dean of the Massachusetts congressional delegation. “This project will build from strength to strength, creating thousands of construction jobs, while paving the way for hundreds of permanent jobs as we create a world-class development at Waterfront Square.”

“This project will rejuvenate a vital section of Revere and provide jobs at a time when we need them most,” said House Speaker DeLeo. “I’m happy that the project has received the necessary funding to help transform this area into a transportation hub that will provide easier access to points in Greater Boston and beyond.”

“This is a great example of federal, state and municipal government coming together to support the long-term economic development of the City of Revere,” said Mayor Ambrosino. “I want to thank Governor Patrick and Congressman Markey for supporting this transformational project which has been a top priority of mine for many years.”

The garage is a cornerstone project that will improve access to the MBTA and support the Waterfront Square development, one of the premiere transit oriented developments planned and promoted by the Commonwealth under the leadership of Governor Patrick, Congressman Markey, Speaker DeLeo, legislators and the City of Revere. It is a planned mixed-use community of 902 residential units, 145,500 square feet of office space, a 100-room hotel and 28,000 square feet of retail space. An estimated nearly 700 permanent jobs will be created as a result of the Waterfront Square project, and the parking garage stands to create 500 construction jobs.

“The combination of state and federal funds is vital to the completion of the Wonderland Garage project which will serve as a catalyst for economic development on Revere Beach. This is a great use of stimulus funds and displays Governor Patrick’s commitment to creating jobs in the Commonwealth,” said Senator Anthony Petrucelli.

“I want to thank the Governor for responding to the strong advocacy by Mayor Ambrosino and the local elected officials in Revere who have taken a lead in creating sorely needed long term economic development opportunities for Revere and surrounding areas. This investment, in partnership with local government, will hopefully trigger hundreds of millions of dollars of broader economic development and investment which will bring in needed revenue many years into the future,” said Senator Anthony Galluccio.

“I am thrilled that this plan for redevelopment will be realized so soon,” said Representative Kathi-Anne Reinstein. “The City of Revere stands to benefit greatly from this incredible investment.”

On Wendesday, December 2, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Board authorized the award of $22.7 million in federal ARRA grant funding, and $11.3 million in MBTA bond revenue financing toward the project. This additional funding supplements federal earmarks and other state funding allocated for the Wonderland Transit Oriented Development project, which the Board authorized in 2008.

The total garage construction budget is $47 million. In addition to the ARRA funding and MBTA bond revenue, the project’s financing plan calls for capital support through $3 million in remaining federal Surface Transportation earmarks and $10 million from a Commonwealth of Massachusetts MORE grant awarded to the City of Revere. Financial analyses undertaken indicate that parking revenues derived from the new garage will exceed the cost of the MBTA’s borrowing of the $11.3 million and, in fact, will generate additional net revenues.

For transportation news and updates visit the MassDOT website at www.mass.gov/massdot, the MassDOT blog at www.mass.gov/blog/transportation .

Under the terms of the deal negotiated by the Administration and signed with UBS, however, the July rating upgrade of the Turnpike Authority’s MHS senior bonds to A- will be sufficient to prevent termination of the fifth swap.

“Transportation reform has already produced significant savings for the people of Massachusetts, and today’s agreement is a further indication of the positive results we can expect to see from our landmark reform,” said Governor Patrick. “I thank the entire team for efforts to reach an agreement that is fair and favorable for the tollpayers and the Commonwealth.”

“This is great news for the Commonwealth as we continue to see the positive results of Transportation Reform even in its earliest stages,” said Senate President Therese Murray. “With an improved bond rating and $261 million in savings already with this latest announcement, we look forward to even more short-term and long-term savings for tollpayers and taxpayers as our new transportation system takes shape.”

“This is just one example of how the transportation reform package will amount to real savings for people across our Commonwealth,” said House Speaker Robert DeLeo. “Amid a season of reform, all three branches are to be commended for eliminating the antiquated and inefficient transportation structure in Massachusetts. Transportation reform is vital to our state’s bottom line, and I look forward to further savings as we move forward.”

The rating upgrades were a result of the sweeping transportation reform that called for consolidation of the state’s fragmented transportation assets into a coordinated new entity called the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Additionally, the Governor, working with the legislature, signed into law a bill that authorized the Commonwealth to extend its backing to the Pike swaps in the event it became necessary to avoid termination of the swaps. While the rating upgrades and the negotiated result secured by the Patrick-Murray Administration avoided the need for the Commonwealth to extend its credit to UBS, the Commonwealth’s demonstrated willingness to step in was a critical factor in securing the rating upgrades that ultimately solved the problem in a favorable way for the Turnpike Authority and the Commonwealth.

“The rating upgrades on the Turnpike’s bonds and the positive outcome of our negotiations with UBS are the direct result of transportation reform and the collaborative effort of many, including the Governor, the legislature, the Executive Office of Transportation, and the Turnpike Authority,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Jay Gonzalez. “I also want to thank Deputy Treasurer Colin McNaught for his advice and support throughout the negotiations with UBS. Thanks to this collaborative effort, we have secured an agreement that saves the Commonwealth and tollpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.”

The rating upgrades and latest agreement with UBS confirm that transportation reform has fundamentally changed and improved the way in which the state finances and manages its transportation system. Not only has it already saved tollpayers from having to pay $261 million to UBS, transportation reform will also save tollpayers and taxpayers millions of dollars in operating costs and financing costs in the years to come.

“Today’s announcement is another example of the progress we have been able to make as a result of transportation reform,” said incoming Transportation Secretary and MassDot CEO Jeff Mullan. “I want to thank Governor Patrick, my colleagues at the Turnpike Authority, EOT and the Executive Office for Administration and Finance, as well as the legislature for working with us to provide a more stable financial footing for the new Massachusetts DOT.”

In addition to the committed federal and DCAM funds, the Governor said today the state will fund its appropriate share of the total $45 million project costs and will work with the MBTA and the City to finalize each party’s contribution to the project. The facility is scheduled to be completed by 2011.

“By moving this project from the drawing board to reality, we can address a longstanding need for additional commuter parking and give Salem an economic boost,” said Governor Patrick.

“This is great news for the City of Salem and North Shore commuters,” said Congressman John Tierney. “While I am, of course, happy that federal funds helped make this project viable, in addition to the Governor’s commitment, it was and is the advocacy and persistence of Mayor Driscoll, the local legislative delegation and the leaders of the Salem business community who brought the importance of the project to the region’s economy into sharp focus.”

“I am thrilled that this day has come for Salem. A commuter rail station will enhance the quality of life for so many North Shore residents, as well as promote economic growth and public transportation. I am proud to have been a part of the team effort to make this project a reality,” said Senate Majority Leader Fred Berry.

“Governor Patrick’s release of funding for the Salem garage is terrific news. This is truly a collaborative effort and partnership amongst local, state and federal government,” said Representative John Keenan. “Building this facility, coupled with the new court house, assures that Salem will remain the legal and tourism hub of the North Shore for generations to come.”

“This project will be transformational to the City, our economy and our commuters,” said Mayor Kimberley Driscoll. “The construction of a new commuter station in Salem has been on the drawing board for over two decades. To finally see it move forward is amazing and a huge credit to Governor Deval Patrick, Congressman John Tierney, State Senator Fred Berry and State Representative John Keenan who all played important roles in keeping this project on track.”

“These strategic investments of state and federal resources in parking for commuter rail in Salem and other communities such as Beverly are perfect examples of transit-related projects that promote more livable communities and enhance economic development,” said Executive Office of Transportation Secretary James Aloisi.

The Salem commuter rail station is one of the most heavily used on the MBTA’s Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail Line. It serves not only hundreds of daily commuters but also is a point of arrival for tourists and visitors. The existing surface parking lot with fewer than 350 spaces routinely is filled before 8:00 a.m. on weekdays.

The Patrick-Murray Administration’s Executive Office of Transportation and MBTA have committed to completing projects that add a total of at least 1,000 commuter parking spaces at MBTA stations on the North Shore by December 2011.

In June, Governor Patrick announced final plans for a 500-space MBTA commuter parking garage plus housing and retail, one block from the Beverly Depot. Funding for that $20 million project comes from the state and MBTA, along with funds from the City of Beverly. The Beverly garage should be completed by the end of 2011.

Infrastructure investment is a key part of Governor Patrick’s Massachusetts Recovery Plan. The plan combines state, federal and, where possible, private efforts to provide immediate and long-term relief and position the Commonwealth for recovery in the following ways:

•Deliver immediate relief by investing in the road, bridge and rail projects that put people to work today and providing safety net services that sustain people who are especially vulnerable during an economic crisis;
•Build a better tomorrow through education and infrastructure investments that strengthen our economic competitiveness, prepare workers for the jobs of the future and support clean energy, broadband and technology projects that cut costs while growing the economy; and
•Reform state government by eliminating the pension and ethics loopholes that discredit the work of government and revitalize the transportation networks that have suffered from decades of neglect and inaction.
For transportation news and updates visit the EOT blog at www.mass.gov/blog/transportation or follow EOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot.