OOIDA Information Update - Massachusetts memebers
December 4, 2008

The Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Transportation Committee has scheduled three hearings in the next month to discuss transportation funding options, including the possibility of leasing the Massachusetts Turnpike to private investors.

Hearing topics include public-private partnerships, Gov. Deval Patrick’s proposal to merge transportation agencies, proposals to increase state fuel taxes and/or Massachusetts Turnpike tolls, and a review of recommendations made by the state Transportation Finance Commission.

The hearings are all at the State House, 24 Beacon St., in Boston. The next hearing is set for 11 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9, to discuss the status of Gov. Deval Patrick’s reform plans.

The committee is then scheduled to meet at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 17, to discuss tolls and fuel taxes, and the final hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009, to discuss recommendations made by the Transportation Finance Commission.

Also, Turnpike officials have called four public hearings of their own to discuss toll increases. Those are Dec. 10 in Boston, Dec. 15 in Lynn, Dec. 17 in Framingham, and Jan. 7 in Worcester to discuss toll increases. Click here for times and locations and to submit written comments on the toll proposal.