Cash infusion for public transit system

Massachusetts is set to receive nearly $320 million in federal stimulus money for public transportation projects.

The money is part of the $8.4 billion in the stimulus package for the repair and construction of the country's public transportation infrastructure.

The public transit money is the latest chunk of money heading to the state from the bill.

Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy announced this week that $438 million has already been released to Massachusetts for the state's roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects, including renewable energy initiatives.

The senators also said that 71 Massachusetts cities and towns will share $345 million for housing programs under the stimulus program.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)