Legislator Considers Options to Cover Big Dig Costs

BOSTON-As the reality of the rising costs of the Big Dig, the massive highway construction project in the heart of the city here, begins to sink in, state legislators are trying to come up with ways to pay for the project. Toll hikes and tax increases on gas–once considered off-limits–are being considered as the costs of the project balloon to $14.475 billion.

Representative Joseph P. Sullivan, co-chairman of the legislature’s transportation committee, did not return calls by press time, but he reportedly called for a look at the possibility of a gas tax increase and restructuring the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority’s toll to pay for the cost overruns.

The Turnpike Authority has already raised the issue of increasing tolls starting in January but Sullivan would like to see the tolls restructured with discount programs. Other suggestions include raising the fees during peak periods and charging for use of the Central Artery. At recent public hearings on toll hikes, the public opposition was clear, but the recognition that the Authority does not have many other options is also increasingly evident. Recent estimates have raised the cost of the project by $100 million.