BOSTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08) announced $15 million in federal transportation funding for the Blue Hill Avenue Corridor Multimodal Project. The funding, awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity (RAISE) Grants program, will improve access to quality public transportation for environmental justice communities by expanding reliable connections to economic opportunity and community services. 

Rep. Pressley has consistently advocated for federal funding to support the Blue Hill Avenue project and submitted a letter of support for the project to DOT in July. 

“Transit justice is racial and economic justice, which is why I’ve fought hard to support projects that address the inequities in our transportation systems and create healthier, safer, and more connected communities in the Massachusetts 7th,” said Rep. Pressley. “I’m proud to have helped secure this critical funding for the Blue Hill Ave project, which will make our public transit more reliable, safe, and climate resilient while connecting folks in Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan to jobs, food, and essential services like education and healthcare. I thank Congressman Lynch and Mayor Wu for their partnership and look forward to seeing this important project move forward.” 

“I am extremely pleased to hear that the Blue Hill Avenue Corridor Multimodal Project has been awarded this critical funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity (RAISE) Grants program,” said Rep. Lynch.  “Blue Hill Avenue serves as a primary channel for public transportation and this reconstruction will improve safety and accessibility for passengers and residents of all surrounding communities.  My thanks to Congresswoman Pressley and Mayor Michelle Wu for their partnership and advocacy for this project.” 

“Blue Hill Avenue is one of Boston’s key economic and community corridors, linking Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan to essential businesses and services. It is home to thriving small businesses, places of worship, schools, playgrounds, community centers and housing.  But we must do more for safe, reliable transportation for all those who live and work in the area. Commute times for residents here are among the longest anywhere in Boston, deepening inequities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m grateful to Representatives Pressley and Lynch for their leadership to secure these critical funds, which will accelerate the City’s work to bring transformative change to Blue Hill Avenue. We will continue to move urgently on the Blue Hill Avenue Corridor Multimodal project to supercharge our economic recovery and connect our communities.” 

More information about the project and the benefits it would bring is available here and here. 

In October 2019, Rep. Pressley founded the Future of Transportation Caucus, a Congressional caucus focused on centering equity, access, and sustainability in our transportation systems. In June 2020, she introduced the Freedom to Move Act, which would provide federal grants to transit agencies that move to a fare-free model, and reintroduced the legislation in April 2021. Rep. Pressley also co-chairs the Congressional Bike Caucus. 

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