The Big Dig The Big Dig | 2. Unholy Alliance
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Sep 27, 2023 
Fred Salvucci, a former Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation and highway opponent, discusses the radical 1970s initiative to replace Boston’s elevated highway with an underground tunnel. He highlights the unexpected alliances that formed amidst competing tunnel projects and the fierce community activism that shaped urban infrastructure. Salvucci also touches on the impact of political shifts, including the influence of Ronald Reagan's presidency on funding, and shares insights into how grassroots efforts transformed transportation planning in Boston.
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Reporter in Snowbound East Boston
- Renee Loth moved to East Boston during a historic snowstorm and lived in a cramped, poorly heated apartment.
- She worked tirelessly as editor, reporter, photographer, and ad seller for the underfunded East Boston Community News.
Ed King vs. East Boston Activists
- Ed King, former Massport head and East Boston native, pushed airport expansion, antagonizing local activists.
- Activists like Mary Ellen Welch formed groups to track and challenge King's plans at every community meeting.
King's Fall and Political Rise
- Ed King was controversially fired from Massport, partly due to shifting board opinions and activist pressure.
- He ran for governor in 1978 with conservative policies, challenging Michael Dukakis in a heated primary.