Monday, June 15, 2009

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Mass. transportation overhaul bill nearly complete

BOSTON -- A compromise bill designed to overhaul the Massachusetts transportation system could be heading to lawmakers before the end of the week.

Legislative leaders had initially anticipated the bill coming up for a vote on Tuesday, but final negotiations dragged into the evening Monday. House leaders then announced there would be no roll call votes Tuesday.

Bunker Hill Day, a holiday at the Statehouse is Wednesday. That means the bill could reach lawmakers by Thursday.

The House and Senate each passed separate transportation bills. A conference committee has been hammering out a compromise version.

"It's very complicated and getting all the details down is difficult," said Sen. Stephen Brewer, D-Barre, a member of the committee.

Gov. Deval Patrick, who has offered his own transportation reform package, has complained about the administration being denied access to the closed-door deliberations.

Both versions of the bill seek to redraw the state's transportation management map.

The House version would consolidate most of the state's transportation functions under a new state transportation authority run by a five-member board with the governor serving as chairman.

The Senate version would also unify some transportation agencies under a single state surface transportation agency, but, unlike the House bill, maintain a separate Executive Office of Transportation.

Rep. George Peterson, R-Grafton, a member of the conference committee, said he hopes the final version is something Republicans can support.

Both bills propose eliminating the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, long seen as a patronage dumping ground. Patrick also supports dismantling the authority.

The final bill is also expected to recommend changes to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's retirement system, which gives employees a full pension after 23 years of service.

Under the Senate proposal, MBTA employees would have to work 25 years and be at least 55 before they could retire.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)