beginning in 2007, the montachusett regional transit authority and montachusett regional planning commission began planning for an expansion of parking capacity. construction began in march 2012 on a three-story garage which will provide 340 parking spaces. the $7.7 million project, which was funded by the fta through earmarks and formula funding, includes a covered busway and charging stations for electric cars. originally to be completed in august 2013, the garage was delayed due to high summer heat which prevented pouring concrete. the garage was dedicated on november 1, 2013, but it was not yet completed. after five months of delays caused by the contractor's financial problems, the garage opened on may 20, 2014.