Summary

The total cost of the Central Artery/Tunnel Project is estimated at $10.4 billion, and this amount could increase if containment goals are not met. Furthermore, state and federal funding available to Massachusetts might not be enough to complete the project as scheduled by 2004. Although the amount of funding available to Massachusetts after fiscal year 1997 is unknown, shortfalls exist under all scenarios modeled in the Massachusetts Highway Department's 1996 project finance plan. The finance plan discusses options for addressing the shortfall, but state officials said that a plan has not been selected so far, pending completion of the feasibility study. In selecting a plan, the state faces challenges to both maintain its commitment to its statewide road and bridge improvement program and build the Central Artery/Tunnel project.