Influx of federal money helps fund new MBTA bus facility in Quincy
Gov. Charlie Baker and other state leaders gathered Monday to highlight federal funds that will be used to benefit infrastructure projects in Massachusetts.
Baker joined MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Stephen Lynch to discuss plans to make investments through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
They broke ground on MBTA's new Quincy Bus Maintenance Facility. The new facility will be "the first garage in our system to accommodate a fleet of zero-emission battery and battery electric buses," Poftak said.
Massachusetts is set to see $9.5 billion during the next five years as part of last year's federal infrastructure package. Baker said that more than $5 billion would go toward roads and bridges, $2 billion is for public transportation and millions are dedicated to regional transit systems and climate resiliency.
Baker said he has also received assurances that plans to replace the Cape Cod bridges are moving forward with the federal government picking up the $2 billion bill.
"This is a once in a generation opportunity," Warren said.
Warren said the Federal Transportation Administration has already given the green light for the first installment of nearly $200 million for Massachusetts.
While the influx in federal funds is a reason for lawmakers to celebrate, the work continues at the State House and on the local level to secure matching funds.