Somerville receives $1.8m for transportation plan

Senator John Kerry and Congressman Mike Capuano announced Wednesday that Somerville will receive $1.8 million in federal funds to complete a comprehensive citywide transportation plan incorporating the six new rapid transit stations being built in the city by 2015.

The grant will allow the city to prepare and implement plans for land use and infrastructure around new stations, prepare a new zoning ordinance for the city, streamline permitting, and create a land bank for affordable housing, according to a statement released by Kerry's office.

“A streamlined, modernized transit system means a better commute for everyone who lives or works in Somerville,” said Kerry in the statement.

“This federal funding will help the City of Somerville as it prepares for the Green Line, increasing the resources available to implement a thoughtful approach to transit oriented development planning,” said Capuano.