By Bob Katzen
House 152-0, Senate 39-0, approved and sent to Gov. Healey a measure that authorizes $4.58 billion in bonding for various local, regional and state transportation programs. The package includes $300 million for cities and towns for local road and bridges — $200 million which will be distributed to all municipalities based on the standard Chapter 90 Program distribution formula and another $100 million which will be distributed to all municipalities based solely on road mileage.
Other provisions include $500 million for the Lifecycle Asset Management Program which aids non-federally funded roads and targets the pavement and bridges across the state that are in the worst condition; $200 million for capital projects to support housing development, including stormwater management, culverts and bike and pedestrian improvements; $200 million for a new accelerated deferred maintenance and modernization program for infrastructure under the care and control of the Department of Conservation and Recreation; and $200 million for the MBTA for the procurement of electrically powered locomotives.
The legislation also reauthorizes $3.18 billion in funding for several programs included in the 2022 Transportation Bond Bill including $2.3 billion for projects on interstates and other federally aided highways; $800 million for improvements to non-federally aided roadways and bridges; $65 million for the Municipal Pavement Program for engineering, permitting, design and climate change adaptation on municipal ways; and $12 million for grants for the Shared Streets Program for improvements to municipal streets to create additional capacity for pedestrians and cyclists.
“Today, the Legislature is taking action to fix potholes, repair local bridges and build on the progress Massachusetts public transit has made,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “At the same time, this legislation will help ease serious financial burdens on cities and towns that are navigating a difficult financial landscape.”
“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 local infrastructure repairs that this legislation provides, and of the funding included for the MBTA.”
“I am proud to see another annual Chapter 90 bill fund the commonwealth’s immediate municipal roadway and transportation needs,” said Rep. Michael Finn (D-West Springfield), House Chair of the Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “This year’s legislation also gives the Administration the flexibility to deploy additional funds towards large-scale transportation investments which may arise over the next few years.”
“Grateful that we can say the winter of 2026 is finally in the rearview mirror, the Legislature has moved forward in addressing long-term capital projects for roadways and bridges all across the commonwealth,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This bond bill provides support for critical capital projects in transportation that will spur housing development, make our roads and bridges safer and continue to build and improve upon the MBTA’s ongoing railway improvement projects.”
“As we head into peak construction season, local leaders from every region and corner of the commonwealth greatly appreciate the Legislature’s prioritization of this vital transportation and infrastructure package, which includes critical funding to support local road, bridge, sidewalk and culvert repairs,” said Massachusetts Municipal Association Executive Director Adam Chapdelaine. “The essential Chapter 90 local road and bridge program has a direct positive impact on public safety, economic development and quality of life in every single city and town in Massachusetts, especially as many municipalities face serious fiscal challenges.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the $4.58 billion package.)
Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes