State Transportation Finance Forum Wed., Mar. 6

State Senator Patricia Jehlen, the local delegation and the Medford Chamber of Commerce will cohost a Transportation Finance Forum Wednesday March 6th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Century Bank, 400 Mystic Ave, Medford. Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary Richard Davey will present “The Way Forward: A 21st Century Transportation Plan” followed by a panel discussion. Panelists include Eric Bourassa, Director of Transportation Division Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Alan MacDonald, Executive Director Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Hayes Morrison, Director of Transportation & Infrastructure City of Somerville, and Elizabeth Weyant, Advocacy Director Transportation for Massachusetts.

The forum aims to inform the community of current proposals for how to bring Massachusetts’ transportation system into a state of good repair. It will focus on the importance of transportation to residents and businesses alike, as a part of the statewide conversation. The purpose is to learn from experts about what options are on the table, and to have a productive discussion about how to move forward in a way that benefits everyone.

“It is essential that we fix the overdue problem in bringing the state’s transportation system into a state of good repair,” said Senator Jehlen. “It is time that we invest in a solution to secure our state’s competitive economy and forge ahead into the future of transportation in Massachusetts.”

With crumbling roads and bridges, severely outdated MBTA vehicles, and the specter of further cuts to transit service, patrons and stakeholders across the spectrum agree that addressing the transportation funding gap can’t wait any longer.

Sustaining a competitive, growing economy and a high quality of life depends on a safe, 21st century transportation system. Transportation connects workers to jobs, businesses to markets, students to schools, and residents and visitors to the state’s cultural and recreational resources, facilitating economic growth. Every year CNBC ranks “America’s Top States for Business.” From 2011 to 2012, Massachusetts fell from 6th overall to 28th. While Massachusetts remains among the top ranked states in the categories of Education, Technology & Innovation, Access to Capitol, and Quality of Life, the state’s ranking in the category of Infrastructure & Transportation fell from 29th to a dismal 45th. The March 6th community forum will discuss the importance of transportation to residents and businesses alike, along with proposed solutions for how to raise the needed revenue.

If you have any questions about the event you can call Senator Jehlen’s office at 617-722-1578 or contact Sara Doherty at sara.doherty@masenate.gov.

Co-sponsors include: State Senator Patricia Jehlen, State Senator Katherine Clark, Representative Paul Donato, Representative Sean Garballey, Representative Jason Lewis, Representative Denise Provost, Representative Carl Sciortino, Representative Timothy Toomey, Medford Chamber of Commerce, Somerville Chamber of Commerce, Winchester Chamber of Commerce, Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), and Transportation for Massachusetts (T4MA).

– Information from State Senator Pat Jehlen’s office