BOSTON – On Thursday, the Massachusetts State Senate passed legislation authorizing $200 million in Chapter 90 funding. The Chapter 90 Program, authorized by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90, Section 34, provides funding to municipalities to implement capital improvements on public ways.
In addition to the annual Chapter 90 funding, the State Senate also authorized an additional $150 million in grant-based programs to assist municipalities with diverse transportation-related projects. Grant awards will be distributed separately from the Chapter 90 funding which is based on formula funding and represents a yearly source of investment and improvement for local transportation networks.
“The additional $150 million in grant-based programs authorized today further allow the Senate to maintain its commitment to invest in, and improve our infrastructure, while allowing municipalities to address their unique transportation needs,” said Sen. Ed Kennedy.
The $150 million is additional grant-based programs includes $25 million for bus-related projects and $25 million for increased access to mass transit and commuter rail stations to be used for bus station improvements, intersections, and connections between bus and commuter rail services.
Typically the responsibility of cities and towns, the Senate has included $40 million for pavement and surface area improvements to non-federally aided roadways.
Additionally, $30 million for the municipal small bridge repair program for use in the replacement, preservation, and rehabilitation of eligible bridges. Thirty million has also been included for the Complete Streets grant program. The Complete Streets grant program provides funding for projects like intersection redesign and pedestrian crossing modification.
The bill, having already passed the House of Representatives, now travels to the Governor’s desk to be signed.