Thursday, July 9, 2009

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MBTA to receive $51M in federal stimulus aid

BOSTON -- The beleaguered MBTA is getting a much-needed boost in federal stimulus dollars.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced Thursday that Massachusetts is receiving $64.3 million from the stimulus program to improve public transit systems.

The bulk of the money, $51.5 million, will go to the cash-strapped Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority to pay for upgrades to stations, the installation of tunnel signs and signal system improvements.

The majority of the MBTA's share of funding covers commuter rail improvements, including projects leading to the double-tracking of the Haverhill and Fitchburg lines.

Another $12.8 million will go for the construction of the Franklin County Regional Transit Center in downtown Greenfield.

The MBTA is considering fare hikes in part to cover rising debt costs.

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