Section 16G of chapter 6A of the General Laws as appearing in the 2010 official edition is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new paragraph:-

(m) In addition to the other powers and duties set forth in this chapter, the secretary shall be consulted on any highway or transit project proposed to be undertaken by any agency, department, board, commission, or authority of the Commonwealth the construction of which is estimated to cost greater than ten million dollars in the manner more specifically set forth in this section.  Prior to the placement of any such project on the Commonwealth’s statewide transportation plan, or prior to the rescheduling of any such project on the statewide transportation plan, the secretary shall consult with the sponsor of such project, the department of transportation, the applicable metropolitan planning organization and other interested parties, and shall issue a statement on the economic benefits of each such project.  Such statement shall include, at a minimum, a finding as to whether the project is consistent with the needs for commercial and industrial or residential growth in the Commonwealth, the public benefit anticipated from the completion of the project and a comment as to whether the project is likely to improve the economic vitality of the Commonwealth.  All such statements, findings, and comments shall be considered by the department of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations in recommendations pertaining to the statewide transportation improvement plans.