Romney says that the current law calls for this commitment to end in 2005 when project construction is completed. Under his plan, the state's road and bridge investment will continue until 2012 when actual payments for the project have ended. Romney notes that more than $1.5 billion of the state's share of future federal funding is slated to go toward the Big Dig--the city's massive highway project--until 2012.

"This infusion of funds will jumpstart critical transportation projects that have taken a backseat to the Big Dig for far too long," says Romney. "The dust may settle on the Big Dig project, but the financial implications will continue for years to come. This commitment will ensure that road and bridge spending will continue to be strong among all of the Commonwealth's 351 cities and towns."

The Transportation Bond Bill includes a commitment to developing residential and economic activity around MBTA stations by setting aside $54 million in a Transit Oriented Development Fund. Romney says this program will complement the Commonwealth Capital Fund, which was recently established to promote smart growth through discretionary grants.