Mass. Gov. Patrick: Snow Budget Surplus Might Go to MBTA

(NECN: Jennifer Eagan) - Massachusetts' governor is thinking of taking some of the extra money from the snow budget to help another agency that could certainly use the cash.

As February draws to a close, scenes like this one in Rutland, Mass. have become a familiar sight: sunlight sparkling on a pond ... that would be normally frozen this time of year.

The unseasonably warm weather has left Massachusetts with $40 million in its snow removal budget - money Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick is considering putting toward the cash-strapped MBTA.

The MBTA currently faces a $161 million budget shortfall. The agency has proposed raising fares anywhere from 34 to 43 percent and cutting back service, like commuter trains on the weekend between Worcester and Boston.

Gov. Patrick told listeners on WTKK yesterday if the Winter That Wasn't continues, the snow surplus could go toward helping to keep the T afloat.

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