By Bob Katzen

The House 25-125, rejected an amendment that would reduce funding for the MBTA by $50 million (from $818 million to $768 million) and instead give the $50 million to cities and towns for roads using a formula based strictly on each municipality’s local road mileage. Currently, communities receive roads funding based on their population, employment and total road miles.

“The amendment would have shifted only $50 million – just 6 percent out of $828 million – for the MBTA and reappropriate it to Chapter 90 to be allocated based on a town’s road mileage,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Joe McKenna (R-Sutton). “This would have shown a strong commitment from the commonwealth to provide regional equity in transportation infrastructure in all corners of the state, while still infusing a massive $743 million dollars to the T.”

Rep. James Arciero (D-Westford) said that adequate funding for roads and bridges is always important, but it’s part of a larger discussion. This is a subject that’s better suited for examination before the public at the committee level. The Transportation Committee will take up this very subject tomorrow when it hears the governor’s $1.5 billion proposal for the Chapter 90 program. The committee looks forward to hearing from legislators, stakeholders and municipal leaders across the state as we examine the governor’s proposal.

(A “Yes” vote is for $50 million for cities and towns. A “No” vote is against it.)

Rep. Christine Barber No Rep. Mike Connolly No Rep. Paul Donato No Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven No