Gov steers funds to South Shore railway

LYNN – Barely a week after the state secretary of transportation told Lynn community leaders that the Blue Line rapid-transit rail would not be extended from Revere anytime soon, Gov. Deval Patrick announced Friday that 15 communities south of Boston will receive $320,000 in technical assistance money to plan for train stations.The funding is related to the South Coast Rail Economic Development and Land Use Corridor Plan, which is expected to annually stimulate nearly $500 million in new economic activity while creating thousands of jobs, the governor said.Lt. Gov. Tim Murray, who joined Patrick in unveiling the funds, said, “Gov. Patrick and I understand the importance of expanding the commuter rail for the residents of the South Coast region, as well as the economic benefits of maximizing a smart growth plan in each city and town in the region.”State Rep. Steven Walsh, a Lynn Democrat, told Transportation Secretary Jeffrey Mullan that the state’s decision not to focus on the Blue Line extension “is a blow to Lynn.”The commuter rail on the North Shore runs from Boston to Rockport, while the Blue Line rapid-rail subway begins at Boston’s Government Center and ends at Wonderland Station in Revere.