MBTA Officials $700,000,000-$1billion short on project not including the initial cost of $1.99 billion to complete.

Cost Increase Notice from GLX Project Team

Here is the notice sent to the GLX Working Group members about the cost increase, including a request for public comment on the cost savings measures and funding options (deadline Sept. 9):

Dear GLX Working Group Members,

This afternoon, the MBTA provided an overview presentation to the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board on the Green Line Extension project. The presentation included information about the most recent negotiations between the MBTA and the Construction Manager/General Contractor, WSK, to construct the latest phase of the project. 

As was presented to the members of the Fiscal and Management Control Board, the Green Line Extension project is currently facing substantial and very challenging cost increases, which will require changes to the way that the project is both designed and funded. In addition, MassDOT and the MBTA must weigh the benefits of the project against the new anticipated costs, and determine whether and how the project can continue.

The full presentation is available to download on the Fiscal and Management Control Board Meetings page of the MBTA website: http://bit.ly/1EeAj65

Since the beginning, the Green Line Extension project has been a collaborative effort between MassDOT; the MBTA; the Cities of Cambridge, Somerville, and Medford; and many committed stakeholders and community organizations. That spirit of collaboration will serve us well as we work together to explore other funding mechanisms and cost savings in order to figure out how best to move forward with the project at this crucial juncture.

We particularly appreciate all of the time and energy that you have dedicated to this project to date – especially sharing information with your friends and neighbors. We encourage you to share your thoughts on these recent developments as well. 

MassDOT and the MBTA are requesting public feedback on the cost savings and funding options outlined in the presentation. Feedback is due by September 9. Please be sure to provide your responses to info@glxinfo.com.