MBTA nets $225 million for Green Line light-rail extension

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao yesterday announced $225 million in federal funds for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) Green Line light-rail extension.

The grant marks the second installment of federal funding as part of a $996 million full funding grant agreement signed in 2015. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) released the first $100 million installment in late 2017.

"The Green Line Extension project will improve mobility, access to jobs, schools and the quality of life for tens of thousands of passengers in the Boston area," Chao said in a press release.

Also yesterday, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker joined federal, state and local officials to break ground on the $2.3 billion extension.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site of the future Union Square Station in Somerville, Massachusetts. The 4.7-mile light-rail extension will run from Cambridge to Medford, Massachusetts.

Also known as GLX, the extension project will include seven stations and the replacement or rehabilitation of eight bridges. When it opens in January 2022, the line is expected to provide about 40,000 new trips each day.