Politics & Government

Transportation Advocates: Train Through Canton Could Be Dependent on Income Tax Hike

A proposed income tax hike, if passed, could help fund the South Coast Rail, advocates said.

State transportation advocates told SouthCoastToday.com Wednesday that prospects of a commuter train connecting Boston to the New Bedford-Fall River area could rely heavily on a 1 percent income tax increase proposed by Gov. Deval Patrick.

Patrick proposed the increase along with a 2-percent cut in sales tax. The proposed income tax increase comes in conjunction with a proposed $13.7 billion transportation bond bill.

One of the key components of Patrick's bond bill is funding for the rail, which would travel directly through Canton.

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“The (tax) package as a whole is our best shot,” executive director of the Southeast Regional Planning and Economic Development Council Steve Smith told SouthCoastToday.com “If it is whittled down, we won’t get it done.”

While the rail's future is in limbo, local and regional officials are preparing for its possible impact. Canton officials anticipate another meeting with representatives from the project this spring. 

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