Budget Amendment ID: FY2017-S4-1160-R2

2nd Redraft TRP 1160

Interchange Study

Messrs. Humason and Lesser moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 77 the following section: -

"SECTION 77A. (a) The Massachusetts Department of Transportation shall conduct a feasibility study relative to the establishment of an interchange on interstate highway route 90 between the existing interchanges located in the city of Westfield and the town of Lee.  The study shall examine and evaluate the costs and economic opportunities related to establishing the interchange  between the city of Westfield and the town of Lee including, but not limited to: (i) the projected capital costs; (ii) the projected operating costs; (iii) the projected use levels; (iv) the environmental and community impact estimates; (v) the availability of federal, state, local and private sector funding sources; and (vi) the resulting economic, social and cultural benefits to the surrounding region and the commonwealth.

(b) The department shall file a report of the results of its study with the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the chairs of the senate and house committees on ways and means and the senate and house chairs of the joint committee on transportation not later than July 1, 2017."