Wednesday, May 22, 2019
Senate Passes Local Infrastructure Funding Bill
Legislation provides $200M to support municipal road repairs
BOSTON – Today, the Massachusetts Senate passed the so-called “Chapter 90” bond bill to fund local road and bridge repairs, and to continue the legislature’s ongoing commitment to invest in local communities. The bill will provide $200 million in Fiscal Year 2020 for municipal infrastructure improvements across the Commonwealth.
"Chapter 90
funds help keep the Commonwealth moving by providing direct assistance to our
cities and towns for essential repairs and roadway projects,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka
(D-Ashland).
“This bond
authorization is a major step toward placing our communities’ roads on a path
toward good repair,” said Senator Joseph
A. Boncore (D-Winthrop), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on
Transportation. “After a seemingly
interminable winter, a severe toll has been taken on our roadways and with the
construction season already underway, this funding is essential so that
municipalities may begin work now.”
“As a former
selectman, I know all too well how critical this funding is to support local
infrastructure repairs,” said Senator
Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury), who serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on
Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets.
“The improvements made possible by this funding will strengthen
transportation opportunities and help ensure that all members of the community
have safe, accessible opportunities to move about.”
“This funding is
crucial for communities across the state; construction season has begun and
cities and towns need to address their current transportation needs and
projects,” said Senate Minority Leader
Bruce Tarr (R- Gloucester). “Maintaining the safety and repair of local
roads and bridges is a priority for the Senate and it provides an economic
boost to the Commonwealth.”
Chapter 90 funds
are allocated using a longstanding formula based on community road miles,
population and employment. The bill will
now move to the House of Representatives for enactment before returning to the
Senate for final approval and then sent to the Governor for their signature.
