By Bob Katzen
The Senate 39-0. approved 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 House has already approved the bill and only final House and Senate passage are necessary before the measure goes to Gov. Healey for her signature.
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.
“The annual authorization of the Chapter 90 program provides cities and towns wit the state funding they need to most effectively address their transportation infrastructure needs,” said Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Committee on Transportation. “This $375 million total investment in both Chapter 90 and additional grant opportunities funds tangible improvements across our entire transportation network—including roads, bridges, access to mass transit and sidewalks.”
“Getting around our communities is a fundamental part of everyone’s day,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “Whether the commute takes you on the sidewalk, through a bike lane, across a small bridge, onto your Regional Transit Authority or to the T, your journey should be quick and safe. By passing today’s legislation, we are empowering our cities and towns with the funding to make improvements to the infrastructure our residents travel on, regardless of where they go and how.”
“Our transportation infrastructure is so vitally important to the state’s economy and this Chapter 90 funding addresses many outstanding issues in keeping the commonwealth’s and public transportation system in peak operating condition,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I’m pleased that over $375 million has been allocated to municipal roadways, local streetscape improvements and enhancements to our mass transit system,”
We’re grateful to see the House and Senate swiftly pass the Chapter 90 bond bill with key investments in municipal roads and bridges,” said Adam Chapdelaine, CEO of the Mass Municipal Association. “This quick action was essential with the construction season already underway. This year, we’ll again be advocating for the Legislature to supplement these programs through dedicated funding via the new state surtax. Last year, supplemental Chapter 90 aid via the surtax provided an additional $100 million for the 30,000 miles of municipal roads, which went to great use in communities all across the commonwealth.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the $375 million package.)
Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes