By Bob Katzen
The House 157-0, Senate 38-0, approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey 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.
“This legislation secures critical funding to our municipalities for the roads, bridges and sidewalks that residents utilize each and every day,” said Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Committee on Transportation. “Regardless of where you live or how you get around, this funding will address infrastructure needs to improve travel, enhance safety and bolster our economy.”
“The timely passage of this responsive legislation for fiscal year 2025 demonstrates the Legislature’s continued commitment to fund our local transportation projects,” said Rep. Bill Straus (D-Mattapoisett), House Chair of the Transportation Committee. “With the renewed investment in funding rural towns and other infrastructure grant programs, our communities across the commonwealth will be better positioned to meet their unique transportation needs, and I am pleased to support these investments.”
“Local officials across Massachusetts are grateful for the Legislature’s swift passage of the transportation bond bill, with funding for the Chapter 90 program and additional key investments in municipal roads and bridges,” said Adam Chapdelaine, CEO of the Mass Municipal Association (MMA). “Every community in the commonwealth will benefit from this critical funding, particularly with construction season already underway. The MMA again this year is asking the Legislature to supplement these programs through dedicated funding from the new Fair Share 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 across the commonwealth.”
(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 Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes