Michigander in Mass

Last night's transportation meeting highlights--besides the eight-year-old girl's testomony that evoked a generous round of applause--were former Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation Fred Salvucci's comments. Salvucci, never a fan of the artery and pretty much the man behind the Big Dig, was present and shared his opinions with the group on the recent efforts to put the Green Line Extension, Arborway Restoration and Red-Blue connectors back on the books.

Better Late Than Never
Salvucci admitted to the crowd that their numbers were way off back in 1990 when many of the committments were made, and that they didn't have enough transit on the table. He admonished organizers to not pit program against program for funding. All of the programs on the table are worthy, and the state should honor the original deal and consider all of the other programs in toto.

He was never a fan of the Arborway restoration, but he agreed to it at the time because of both pressure and earnest efforts in support of the project. Regardless of how he felt and feels, Salvucci said, "It's not fair to pit the Arborway against 1,000 suburban parking spaces."

He was also a fan of the Red-Blue line connector, which did not make the cut, much to the disappointment of many Beacon Hill and Lynn residents.

He also encouraged planners to move project plans forward even in the absence of obvious funding sources to avoid delays and government funding cycles.