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Mass. House Approves $13B Transportation Bill

The Massachusetts House has approved a bill authorizing the state to borrow nearly $13 billion to jumpstart major transportation projects around the state.

The House voted 149-2 on Wednesday to accept a compromise worked out by legislative negotiators. The Senate could act on the measure as early as Thursday.

The bill would authorize borrowing for a range of transportation proposals, many of which have been on the drawing board for years. The list includes $2.3 billion to bring commuter rail service to the South Coast region.

Other projects include the extension of the MBTA's Green Line to Medford, and renovations to Boston's South Station.

The measure also calls for $300 million for local road improvements.

The Legislature passed a transportation financing bill last year that included tax increases on gasoline and cigarettes.

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