By Bob Katzen
House 156-0, Senate 39-0, approved and sent to Gov. Healey a $1.2 billion transportation bond bill that includes authorizing $300 million in one-time funding for the maintenance and repair of local roads and bridges in cities and towns across the state.
The $300 million is a 50 percent increase over last year’s funding. The measure provides that $200 million be distributed to all cities and towns based on the standard Chapter 90 Program distribution formula while $100 million would be distributed to all municipalities based solely on road mileage.
The package also contains $885 million for other transportation-related projects including $500 million for roads and bridges that are in the worst condition; $200 million to repair local culverts and small bridges under 20 feet that are in a state of disrepair or require replacement; and $185 million for capital projects to reduce congestion hotspots.
“I applaud the Massachusetts Legislature for passing this bill and recognizing the need to be responsive to our cities and towns while also proceeding with caution due to the federal funding uncertainty,” said Rep. James Arciero (D-Westford), House Chair of the Committee on Transportation … This bill leverages the Legislature’s strategically increased appropriations to the Commonwealth Transportation Fund to expand our borrowing capacity and allow for additional transportation funding for our local infrastructure needs.”
“This legislation strikes a balance between increasing funding for municipal roadways and transportation-related projects while maintaining outstanding fiscal responsibility,” said Rep. Michael Finn (D-West Springfield), House Chair of the Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “Our decision to continue giving the governor the authority to utilize either general or special obligation bonds enables us to capitalize on competitive interest rates, save money long term and preserve general obligation bond capacity for the commonwealth’s most pressing needs.”
“This legislation takes into consideration years of feedback from the Administration and our local partners,” said Sen. Ed Kennedy (D-Lowell), Senate Chair of the Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “In addition to incorporating 50 per cent more funding to Chapter 90 than in previous years, these funds are supplemented by additional targeted resources that will improve the roads, bridges and transportation related infrastructure in all types of communities in the commonwealth.”
“We are thrilled to see this bill on the governor’s desk,” said the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) Executive Director Adam Chapdelain. “Chapter 90 is a program that benefits all 351 cities and towns in the state, and a 50 percent increase in funding would have a substantial impact in all corners of the commonwealth.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)
Rep. Christine Barber Didn’t Vote Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes