State Legislature Passes Bill Authorizing Chapter 90 Funding

Special to the Transcript

The Massachusetts Legislature recently passed a bill that includes $375 million in bond authorizations for transportation needs across the state, including $200 million for the state’s Chapter 90 program, which provides municipalities with a reliable funding source for transportation-related improvements, including road and bridge repairs.

“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 Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m proud of the support for regional infrastructure that this legislation provides, and of the funding that it allocates for the purchasing of electric vehicles by transit authorities. I want to thank Chairman Straus and my colleagues in the House, as well as Senate President Spilka and our partners in the Senate, for prioritizing this vital legislation.”

This legislation also authorizes $175 million in programs that will support various transportation-related projects. This includes $25 million for each of the following:

• The municipal small bridge program;

• The complete streets program;

• A bus transit infrastructure program;

• Grants to increase access to mass transit and commuter rail stations;

• Grants for municipalities and regional transit authorities to purchase electric vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support them;

• Funding for pavement and surface improvements on state and municipal roadways; and

• New funding dedicated to additional transportation support based on road mileage, which is particularly helpful for rural communities.

“Safe, efficient, and reliable transit networks are critical for our state’s pandemic recovery, and make our communities more accessible for everyone”, said State Senator Lydia Edwards (D-Boston), “Thank you Senate President Karen Spilka, Senate Chair Brendan Crighton, House Speaker Ron Mariano, and House Chair Strauss for prioritizing these investments.”

“I am pleased to work with my colleagues at the state level and at the local level to ensure that an adequate amount of funding is available to improve the roadway conditions in our cities and towns. The people of Revere and Winthrop deserve nothing less” said State Representative Jeffrey Rosario Turco (D-Winthrop and Revere).

“This legislation will support the safety and reliability of the aging infrastructure throughout Massachusetts,” said State Representative Jessica Giannino (D-Revere). “Between harsh winters and heavy transit, our roadways and bridges regularly endure weathering.  This much needed funding will be pivotal in aiding the health of transportation-related projects in Revere and municipalities across the Commonwealth.”

The bill having passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives, it will now be sent to the Governor for her consideration.