Mass. transportation chief selling Patrick plan

BOSTON (AP) - State Transportation Secretary Richard Davey is on the road selling Gov. Deval Patrick's plan to spend $13 billion on the state's transportation system in the next decade.

The Boston Globe reports that Davey's message is simple: The governor's proposal has something for everyone.

Backers of Patrick's plan say the plan presents an opportunity to make sure the state's roads, bridges, and public transit systems are in good shape for years to come.

Marc Draisen, executive director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, which focuses on planning and transportation, said taxpayers need to be convinced that tax dollars will translate into meaningful improvements, particularly after the Big Dig and mistrust of massive, costly transportation projects.

Some critics say the effort is political and intended to persuade taxpayers to accept unrealistic promises about transportation.

Cox Media Group