The Massachusetts House of Representatives today passed a bill that authorizes $4.58 billion in bonding for an expanded Chapter 90 Program and transportation programs to address regional needs, as well as the impacts of climate change on local infrastructure. The Chapter 90 Program provides municipalities with a funding source for transportation-related improvements, including road and bridge repairs. Similar to last year, the bill includes a one-year authorization of $300 million for the Chapter 90 Program. Within the $4.58 billion is the reauthorization of $3.18 billion in funding for several popular and well utilized programs included in the 2022 transportation bond bill, including the Municipal Pavement Program and Shared Streets. The bill also includes $1.1 billion in funding for several important programs to better prepare the Commonwealth to achieve its long-term transportation goals.
“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 local infrastructure repairs that this legislation provides, and of the funding included for the MBTA. I want to thank Chairman Arciero, Chairman Finn, and all my colleagues in the House for supporting this vital legislation.”
“Continuing the needed support for the Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure and programs, this legislation reauthorizes over $3 billion in programs from the 2022 Transportation Bond Bill and it mirrors the success of last year’s Chapter 90 increase for road mileage to grow regional equity. Thank you to House Speaker Ron Mariano and Chairman Aaron Michlewitz for their leadership while we navigate the Commonwealth’s fiscal responsibilities with the lack of a federal partner. The House continues to proceed with caution while balancing the significant transportation needs of our cities and towns,” said Representative James Arciero (D-Westford), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation.
“I am proud to see another annual Ch. 90 bill fund the Commonwealth’s immediate municipal roadway and transportation needs. 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. I would like to thank Speaker Mariano and Chair Michlewitz for their leadership, as well as Chair Arciero for his collaboration,” Representative Michael Finn (D-West Springfield), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets.
The legislation authorizes $300 million in bonding for the Chapter 90 Program and additional programs.
The one-year authorization in Chapter 90 Program funding includes:
- $200 million will be distributed to all municipalities based on the standard Chapter 90 Program distribution formula.
- $100 million will be distributed to all municipalities based solely on road mileage.
Additional programs to support various transportation-related projects, totaling $1.1 billion include:
- $500 million for the Lifecycle Asset Management Program (LAMP) which aids non-federally funded roads and targets the pavement and bridges that are in the worst condition in the Commonwealth.
- $200 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 (DCR).
- $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 such as:
- $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.
- $12 million for grants for the Shared Streets Program for improvements and projects to municipal streets to create additional capacity for pedestrians and cyclists.
Having passed the House of Representatives 155-0, the bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.