By Bob Katzen

The House 155-0. approved and sent to the Senate a bill that includes authorizing $200 million in one-time funding for the maintenance and repair of local roads and bridges in cities and towns across the state. The $375 million package, a bond bill under which the funding would be borrowed by the state through the sale of bonds, also includes $175 million for several transportation-related grant programs.

The programs funded by the $175 million include the municipal small bridge program; the complete streets program; a bus transit infrastructure program; and grants for municipalities to purchase electric vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support them.

“Providing funding for critical infrastructure projects through investments in the commonwealth’s public transportation, roads, and bridges is one of the most important responsibilities that we have as members of the Legislature,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m proud of the support for regional infrastructure that this legislation provides, and of the funding that it allocates for the purchasing of electric vehicles by transit authorities.”

“The Legislature continues to be responsive to the transportation needs of our towns and cities,” said Rep. Bill Straus (D-Mattapoisett), House Chair of the Transportation Committee. “This legislation demonstrates a commitment to funding for local transportation projects with again, our new program especially for funding to rural towns. I am pleased to support this important piece of legislation which provides more tools for towns to tackle their project backlog in time for the new fiscal year starting in July.”

“The … program is an important state-municipal partnership that provides a vital revenue source to help cities and towns maintain local roads and bridges,” said House GOP Minority Leader Brad Jones. “With this funding, communities can address their local transportation infrastructure needs and priorities on an annual basis. The bill also provides funding for several municipal grant programs that offer additional resources to assist cities and towns in carrying out critical transportation-related initiatives.”

Adam Chapdelaine, CEO of the Mass Municipal Association, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him if he supports the funding as is or would like to have seen it increased. Ex-CEO Geoff Beckwith often urged the House and Senate to substantially increase the amount of funding.

(A “Yes” vote is for the $375 million package.)

Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes