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Patrick signs transportation overhaul

E-mail|Link|Comments () June 26, 2009 01:56 PM

By Globe Staff

Governor Deval Patrick today signed a bill overhauling the state transportation system and consolidating a patchwork of agencies that govern roads, rail, and bridges.

Governor Deval Patrick

"The meaningful, long-lasting reforms we will make to our state's transportation system will rebuild public trust and put an end to the old ways of doing business," Patrick, who signed the bill at his Western Massachusetts office, in Springfield, said in a statement. "Today, we are inaugurating a new era of streamlined and efficient delivery of transportation services to the residents of Massachusetts."

The bill, a key part of what Patrick is calling his "reform agenda," creates a new state Department of Transportation that will oversee highways, mass transit, aeronautics, and the Registry of Motor Vehicles. It also eliminates the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority and ends some perks at the MBTA that critics have seized on as symbols of waste and abuse in government. Patrick's administration says the new law will save tens of millions of dollars annually.

"This law eliminates the antiquated and inefficient transportation structure in Massachusetts and brings considerable cost savings," House Speaker Robert DeLeo said in a statement.

Senate President Therese Murray added, "Seven months ago the Senate called for reform before revenue in our transportation system, and today thanks to the cooperation and hard work of the Legislature and the administration we have achieved our goal."

The new law gives Patrick another legislative accomplishment, adding to a pension system overhaul he signed earlier this month and a toughening of state ethics laws he's expected to sign next week.

But Patrick now faces a thorny political problem as he heads into next year's reelection campaign. He has said he would agree to lawmakers' plan to raise the sales tax only after they agreed to significant government reforms. Now, Patrick is all but compelled to sign a provision in next year’s state budget to increase the sales tax from 5 percent to 6.25 percent, which will surely draw heat from his opponents and some voters.