Somerville Mayor Says Delaying 'T' Extension Could Be Costly

Somerville's mayor is threatening to take legal action to fight further delays in expansion of the MBTA Green Line into his city.

State transportation officials say the project could be pushed back after its board voted on Tuesday to reject a contract extension because of the involvement of Big Dig firm Parsons Brinkerhoff.

Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone says he's disappointed that the board refused to extend the planning contract.

"We're just stalling all the good benefits of this project if we yield to any further delays and they have to understand there's a cost to that, to the taxpayers of this commonwealth," Curtatone said.

Curtatone says he'll go to court if necessary to ensure the Green Line is built on time and properly.

"They need to get their house in order," Curtatone said. "We're going to work with them, but any further delay is completely unacceptable."

State Transportation Secretary Jeffrey Mullan says he's optimistic that the project can be completed on time and is trying to reassure community leaders.

"We're committed to maintaining the schedule as best we can," Mullan said. "We're going to work hard for that."