On July 27, Massachusetts passed a bill authorizing a bond for $375 million for various transportation improvements throughout the state.
The bill specifically allocates $200 million for the state’s Chapter 90 program which supports municipalities with funding for transportation-related improvements, including crucial road and bridge repairs.
“This funding invests in our infrastructure and transit systems everywhere, allocating much-needed funds to local roads and bridges, regional transit, EV infrastructure, and parts of the MBTA,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland).
The bill’s funding initiatives include $175 million for various transportation-related projects:
- Municipal Small Bridge Program: $25 million
- Complete Streets Program: $25 million
- Bus Transit Infrastructure Program: $25 million
- Grants for Mass Transit and Commuter Rail Stations: $25 million
- Grants for Electric Vehicle Purchases: $25 million
- Funding for Pavement and Surface Improvements: $25 million
House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy) also emphasized the bill’s vital role in advancing regional infrastructure. “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.”
Senator Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, highlights that this bill locks down a historic level of funding municipal roads, bridges, and sidewalks.
Representative Bill Straus (D-Mattapoisett), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, gave praise for the legislation for addressing the concerns raised by local officials.
The language of the bill also puts an emphasis on sustainability, allocating $100 million toward increasing access to mass transit stations, and $75 million for EV purchases by municipalities and regional transit authorities.
The legislation reflects a commitment from both chambers to support communities throughout Massachusetts. The bill provides additional funding to towns with populations under 10,000, ensuring that every dollar serves vital needs effectively.
Now that the bill has been approved in both the House and the Senate, the bill will now go to Gov. Maura Healey for her consideration.
