So how much MORE TAXPAYER $$$ can the state of Massachusetts flush down the toilet?
"Questions arise how T plans to fund $1b Silver Line project" by Noah Bierman, Globe Staff | October 14, 2008
With Big Dig construction still fresh in Bostonians' memories, the MBTA is embarking on a 1.1-mile bus tunnel adjacent to the Boston Common that critics are dubbing the "Little Dig" because of its escalating price tag and potential for disruption.
As the T's financial situation grows more dire, questions over paying the state's share - more than half a billion dollars - are growing among neighborhood groups, specialists, and transit advocacy organizations. The price has escalated from $750 million a few years ago, to $1.2 billion as of last year. The T says those costs have risen again, but won't release the new estimate.The T is facing unprecedented financial problems, emptying reserve funds and raising parking rates last week just to pay salaries. Without help from the state, the T has warned of a major fare hike in 2009, in large part because 28 cents of every dollar it spends goes to paying off an $8.1 billion debt load from past expansion projects.
Translation: The taxpayers of Massachusetts are PAYING OFF BANKS for SHODDY WORK already done!
Opponents include Emerson College, which could see construction out its front door for five years or more, as well as several neighborhood groups, including Bay Village, where homeowners worry their historic neighborhood could be literally torn apart by the tunneling.
The high cost of Silver Line Phase III is mainly due to tunneling in the heart of a dense city. Designs call for going deep underground, below the Big Dig along Essex Street and under the Green Line at Boylston Street.
Then WHY BOTHER with this MESS?
Andrew Brennan, director of environmental affairs for the MBTA, said designers learned lessons from the Big Dig and will build an additional layer of waterproofing in an attempt to keep the tunnel walls drier. "We're not saying there will be no leaks," Brennan said. "Certainly, every tunnel has leaks." --more--"
Oh yeah? Tell it to the family of Milena Del Valle, butt-head!!!
