MassGOP Research Briefing

Stimulus famine for Pike
Highway won't see dime of federal funds
The Boston Herald, 4/23/09
By Hillary Chabot

Frustrated Pike drivers plagued by traffic jams and potential toll hikes will face the additional insult of decaying roads and ramps after Patrick administration officials decided to block federal stimulus funds to the troubled roadway.

Massachusetts Turnpike Authority Executive Director Alan LeBovidge was told by Transportation Secretary James Aloisi on Tuesday that the debt-riddled highway wouldn't get any of the $438 million in federal stimulus funding reserved for state transportation projects.

"Obviously we're disappointed because we could certainly use the money," said LeBovidge, who announced yesterday the department faces a $9.5 million deficit. "That's the way the cookie crumbles."

The decision means motorists who cough up cash daily to drive on the Pike will see $19.55 million in needed bridge and roadwork delayed, while the stimulus cash is awarded to untolled roads across the state.

"It's outrageous that the toll payer is left holding the bag here. This is federal money and everyone should benefit," said Pike board member Mary Connaughton. "I hope it's not a sign of things to come when the state takes over the Turnpike."

The bad news comes as LeBovidge took the blame again for the disastrous Easter traffic jam as he scrambled to bolster customer service yesterday. The embattled Pike chief delayed cutting 50 toll takers in an effort to ensure tollbooths will be fully staffed during the upcoming high-traffic holidays.

"We are focusing on customer service, and we will do everything to maximize that," LeBovidge said, after admitting he ignored warnings from his staff that his choice to reduce toll takers and overtime would create the Easter gridlock.

"I regret a lot of things," LeBovidge said when asked if he should have listened to his staffers. A full account of the decisions that led to the eight-mile backup is due tomorow.

Also yesterday, Turnpike board members voted to keep Fast Lane transponders free of charge at their morning meeting in Auburn, where they rehashed the preliminary details of the gridlock.

Pike officials reversed a policy cutting staff and overtime, and vowed to create staffing plans for holidays and weekends to avoid future tie-ups.

According to data provided by the Pike, drivers were backed up for eight miles at 6:52 p.m. April 12 and were still in bumper-to-bumper traffic for seven miles at 11 p.m.

As for the decision not to use stimulus dough for Pike repairs, Aloisi spokesman Colin Durrant said the toll road's projects were on a large list of needed fix-ups throughout the state, and there was limited cash. Basic Pike maintenance will continue.



Click Here For The Article Link