Page 14 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MARCH 25, 2022 BAKER | FROM PAGE 8 ficially opening Green Line service along GLX’s Medford Branch later this year.” “The GLX will finally bring the improvements in traffic, air quality, and health that Somerville has needed and been promised for so long,” said State Senator Patricia Jehlen. “Thanks to all the community advocates, elected officials, transportation staff, and workers who have persisted and overcome so many obstacles! This is an important milestone, and we look forward to the other stations opening this year and to the full extension to Route 16 as soon as possible.” “Over 20 years ago, I joined with those early activists working for the GLX and environmental justice because of their clear vision and our shared desire for justice,” said Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. “That shared desire for justice has united many of us, and this milestone demonstrates what we can accomplish when we work together. I want to recognize and thank our activists for their vision and great effort, and others who have helped us to realize this progress.” “The opening of the Green Line Extension is an exciting day for Cambridge, Somerville, and the entire region,” said Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “This investment in public transit is an investment in the economic and environmental health of our communities, and I am grateful to the many advocates and elected officials who pushed for the extension.” “I want to thank Governor Baker and his predecessor, Governor Patrick, for their vision and commitment to equity,” said former Congressman Michael Capuano. “Without their leadership this project would still be a dream. This is proof that elections matter and quality leaders matter.” “They said it couldn’t be done and is there anything more in character for Somerville than proving it can be?” said former Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone. “We always knew mass transit was an essential and missing piece from a vibrant urban community like Somerville. It’s better for the environment, better for people’s health and it adds quality of life and accessibility for everyone. This only happened because an entire city demanded the state and federal governments do the right thing and honor their commitments. The GLX is proof positive that the people united can make a difference.” “The start of revenue service on the Union Square Branch today represents the collective, sustained efforts of many people for many years,” said MBTA Green Line Extension Program Manager John Dalton. “Advocates, elected officials, engineers, contractors, MBTA employees, city and state employees have persisted to ensure the real beneficiaries of GLX – the riding public – will now have reliable, safe public rail service from Union Square Station in Somerville and soon from Medford/Tufts Station in Medford. As a member of the MBTA’s project delivery team, I want to specifically thank the dedicated professionals of the MBTA’s Program Management Team, the staff and work crews of GLX Constructors, and the residents and neighbors who have been impacted by the construction efforts associated with achieving this historic milestone.” “The opening of the Green Line Extension to Union Square and the new Lechmere Station are exciting milestones that residents of my district have been eagerly awaiting,” said State Senator Sal DiDomenico. “This connectivity brings new opportunities for transit-orient development, job creation, and lower environmental impacts in the community. I want to thank our federal, state, and local partners for staying the course and ensuring that this day became a reality. This was a large undertaking by so many people who were determined to bring safe and timely transit options to our residents. As an East Cambridge native, I also appreciate the investments in the Lechmere Viaduct which has been a part of our landscape for decades.” “On this momentous occasion of opening the Green Line Extension, I want to thank the many local activists and community members who fought for decades to bring public transit to our neighborhoods,” said State Representative Christine Barber. “We worked alongside activists to build the first expansion of the T in a generation, which will serve our communities that have been overburdened by traffic and air pollution. I look forward to the next Green Line Extension opening to ensure every Somerville and Medford resident has access to safe, clean, and reliable transit.” “Today’s grand opening marks the culmination of decades of activism and advocacy by Somerville and Cambridge residents in support of expanded public transit in our community. As the State Representative for Lechmere, Union Square Station, and other parts of Cambridge and Somerville, I am grateful to Governor Baker and all our state, federal, and municipal partners for making the Green Line Extension a reality,” said State Representative Michael ConBAKER | SEE PAGE 18 ~ In Loving Memory of our Luna ~ “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than she loves herself.” Forever in our hearts, Love Rocco & Luz
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