By George P. Hassett

Gov. Deval Patrick fully funded the Green Line extension through Somerville last week in what local elected officials are calling a historic moment for the long delayed project.

In October Patrick stood in Gilman Square and promised his administration would work to beat a 2014 legally binding deadline to get the extension done. Last week he included $600 million in his transportation bond bill to fully fund the project.

State Rep. Carl M. Sciortino, D-Somerville, said the move is the most substantial step forward since 1990 when state officials promised Somerville residents they would complete a Green Line extension through the city and into Medford as a way to offset air pollution caused by the Big Dig.

“It’s been a slow process,” he said. “There has been a lot of talk over the years but this is the first time we have had full funding. This is what we have been waiting for.”

Patrick’s administration announced in the summer that they would be seeking federal funding for the project which could mean a two-year delay. Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Sciortino and many other Somerville officials who had given Patrick early support in his bid for governor were critical of the plan. In October Patrick reversed that idea and promised Somerville residents there would be no more setbacks to the extension.

In 2005, the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) sued the state because it had not taken the necessary steps to complete the project on time. In November 2006, CLF and the state settled and agreed on a binding commitment to complete the project by 2011. That commitment was pushed back to 2014.

Patrick’s administration will continue to seek federal funding for the project but the full state funding allows the extension to on without delay.

Governor Patrick’s willingness to fully fund this initiative with state money shows his commitment to the Green Line extension and to the residents of Somerville. I will continue working to advance this project, including seeking federal funding opportunities,” said Congressman Michael E. Capuano, D-Somerville.

Curtatone said after years of delays good news is welcome but city residents and officials have to continue to advocate for the project’s completion.

“I’m optimistic. We’ve learned from history that we have to continue to hold the state’s feet to the fire on this project,” he said.