Annual Chapter 90 legislation delivers funding for paving roads, easing traffic, and culvert and bridge improvements

BOSTON—Last week, State Senator Nick Collins and State Representative David Biele joined their colleagues in Massachusetts Legislature in passing a bill to distribute $1.2 billion among cities and towns to maintain and repair roads and bridges across the state. The funding, derived from bonding, will expand the Chapter 90 program and help address transportation related improvements, road and bridge repairs, and the impacts of climate change on local infrastructure.

The bill enacted includes a one-year authorization of $300 million for the Chapter 90 Program, a 50 percent increase over past funding levels. The bill also appropriates $885 million in additional funding that will help ensure the Commonwealth is able to achieve its long-term transportation goals.

“This state investment will infuse the City of Boston with the capital resources needed to repair our municipal sidewalks, streets and bridges,” said Senator Nick Collins. “Whether it is ADA compliance or speed mitigation measures or deferred maintenance, these upgrades are critical to ensure safety, accessibility and mobility.”

“I was proud to join my colleagues in the Legislature in passing legislation that provides funding and resources for local infrastructure by leveraging the state’s strategic investments in our Commonwealth Transportation Fund,” said Rep. Biele.  “These resources will provide our cities and towns with funding to respond to road, sidewalk, and bridge infrastructure needs unique to each municipality.”

The one-year $300 million authorization in the Chapter 90 program funding represents a historic 50 per cent increase and includes:

• $200 million to be distributed to all municipalities based on the standard Chapter 90 program distribution formula;
• $100 million to be distributed to all municipalities based solely on road mileage.

Funding for three additional critical programs to support various transportation related projects include:

• $500 million for the Lifecycle Asset Management Program (LAMP), which supports non-federally aided roads and targets the pavement and bridges that are in the worst condition in the Commonwealth.

• $200 million for a culvert and small bridge repair program for municipalities’ local culverts and small bridges under 20 feet that are in a state of disrepair or require replacement.

• $185 million for capital projects to reduce congestion hotspots, funding that will be available for projects such as shared use paths, intersection improvements, railroad grade crossings, and sidewalks.

Both chambers of the Legislature voted to enact the legislation, which has been signed into law by the Governor.

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