In efforts to create 'a more rational planning framework', the state of Massachusetts will apply new standards to all major transportation projects before the projects can secure funding.
"In the new system, any proposal for a widened highway or a new commuter rail line must be judged to be cost-effective, reduce congestion, help the environment, and promote compact development. It would be the first time such standards would be applied to proposed transportation projects statewide....The goal is to 'take the politics out of the process' and to create a more rational planning framework for transportation projects and weed out projects that don't have any hope of getting funded....Planners and environmental advocates said they welcomed the standards but questioned whether the proposal goes far enough in setting up a system for weighing a highway project against a transit project, for example."
Thanks to Connie Chung
FULL STORY: State promotes test for projects
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