In the closing hours of the 117th Congress, Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) secured $7 million dollars in the 2023 federal budget to improve Newton’s three commuter rail stations at Newtonville, West Newton, and Auburndale. Among the improvements included in the allocation are new stairs, ramps, elevators; full-length in- and out-bound platforms; benches, canopies and bike storage; and improved connections to local roads and parking. The $7 million is part of more than $38 million in health and safety measures Rep. Auchincloss successfully requested for the Fourth Congressional District. Although the $7 million is part of the 2023 budget, it does not need to be spent within the upcoming fiscal year.
Earlier in the week, the MBTA announced that it would not allocate $85 million for reconstruction of the three stations as part of the federal All Stations Accessibility Program. The Massachusetts Legislature and Gov. Baker approved the funding, but it will be up to the Newton delegation to lobby the incoming Healey Administration and the MBTA to issue bonds for the funds.
