Gov. Patrick files transportation bond bill

BOSTON (AP) -- Gov. Deval Patrick has filed a transportation bond bill at the Statehouse that he says will help pay for needed road, bridge and public transit projects.

Patrick said the proposal will fund what he's calling a 10-year plan for the next generation of transportation investments to modernize and maintain the transportation system. He said the improvements will spur economic growth and create jobs.

The bill would invest $13.7 billion over 10 years to deal with a backlog of deferred maintenance and needed improvements to help reduce congestion on roads, curb delays and minimize crowding on trains and buses.

The bill would also continue funding current investments identified in a statewide road and bridge program identified in a separate capital investment plan.

In total, the bill authorizes $19 billion in investments in the state's transportation system.