Statement of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater Concerning Governor Cellucci Signing Legislation to Authorize Use of State Funds to Cover the Cost Overruns on the Central Artery Project

Topics:  Rodney E. Slater

Federal Highway Administration
17 May 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 17, 2000
Contact: Virginia Miller
Tel.: 202-366-0660
FHWA 32-00

We are pleased that the governor and the legislature in Massachusetts, working together, have acted to make funding resources available to cover the cost increase for the Central Artery/Tunnel project.

Based on the information we have received so far, this action appears to take another important step in advancing this important public works project toward a successful completion. At the same time, the state's action will help to restore integrity and public confidence in the project.

We will continue to work with the state to ensure that a revised Finance Plan addresses the issues raised by the Federal Highway Administration, including a revised estimate of the cost to complete the project and the development of a balanced statewide program.