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PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Department of Transportation may take up to $4.1 million that the state transit agency was planning to spend on new buses and other items to cover a cost overrun on a railroad station project.

State Transportation Director Michael P. Lewis said the money is needed to help pay for the [Wickford station ](http://www.projo.com/business/content/bz_rail_insurance_02-25-09_1BDEIO3_v13.3244af5.html)being planned as part of the state's extension of commuter rail service south of Providence.

This afternoon, however, he issued a statement saying he was "refuting this afternoon's Providence Journal blog entry that insinuates that dollars will not be available for new Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) buses."

"There are enough dollars to meet RIPTA's capital objectives as well as the South County Commuter Rail," Lewis said.

Alfred J. Moscola, general manager of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, had called the loss "painful" and said he wants to spend more money on new [hybrid buses](http://www.projo.com/business/content/bz_hybrid_buses_02-24-09_C2DE5IM_v9.308bdbf.html) that will be quieter, save fuel and pollute less.

However, officials at both agencies said they think both agencies' projects can be completed.

This item was originally published on the blog at 1:07:12.

 Tags  buses Rhode Island Department of Transportation RIDOT RIPTA South Kingstown RI trains Wickford RI

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