How can the Commonwealth of Massachusetts consider spending money on a rail trail when the state budget is in under pressure and the cost of the big dig needs to be paid off?
A rail trail is part of the total transportation package. The Commonwealth is promoting alternative transportation methods to help ease traffic congestion and promote the health and welfare of it citizens. The rail trail process is a long one so there will be little draw on the state at this point. The only short-term cost to the state will be the assignment of staff to further the rail-trail approval and design process.
