The Army Corps of Engineers has cleared Massachusetts' preferred route for the South Coast commuter rail project.
Funding the project is still a challenge. Gov. Deval Patrick's administration's $800 million transportation bond bill failed in the legislative session that ended June 30. But the Army Corps approval could strengthen the state's hand when it petitions the federal government.
The state's Department of Transportation prefers a line through Stoughton to connect Boston southerly to New Bedford and Fall River, adjacent 75 miles away. DOT would use electric- or diesel-powered locomotives. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority would operate the line.
The Army Corps "determined that there is no practicable alternative to the Stoughton electric alternative, which would have less adverse impact on the aquatic ecosystem, and also does not have other significant adverse environmental consequences," the federal agency said in a statement on Sept. 23.
Stoughton sits roughly 20 miles south of Boston.
As part of the environmental review process, the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act office will accept public comments until Oct. 26.
According to Patrick, the state has already received $20 million under the federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER grant program, to complete the rebuilding of three New Bedford bridges.
