Massachusetts Governor Signs Historic Chapter 90 Bill, Providing $1.1 Billion in Transportation and Infrastructure Funding

Strategic Insights -

Governor Maura Healey has signed into law a new Chapter 90 bill, delivering a record-breaking $300 million in critical transportation and infrastructure funding to every city and town across Massachusetts. The bill reflects the Healey-Driscoll Administration's commitment to strengthening local roads, reducing congestion, and ensuring safe, reliable travel across the state. The historic investment will support various initiatives, including pavement and bridge upgrades, culvert replacement, and traffic congestion relief. This funding will also enable municipalities to repave busy corridors, fix aging infrastructure, and enhance pedestrian safety near schools.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Chapter 90 bill provides $300 million in critical transportation and infrastructure funding to every city and town across Massachusetts, a 50 percent increase over recent years.
  • The bill includes authorization for $500 million in pavement and bridge upgrades statewide through MassDOT's lifecycle asset management program.
  • $200 million will be allocated to replace culverts and small bridges, building more climate-resilient infrastructure and addressing long-deferred maintenance.
  • $185 million will be used to ease congestion and improve safety, targeting rail crossings, intersections, school zones, commercial districts, and other high-need areas.
  • The Chapter 90 program provides direct funding to municipalities for the repair and improvement of local roads, bridges, sidewalks, and culverts.
  • The bill includes a change to the Chapter 90 funding formula that will allow for $100 million of the total investment to be allocated based exclusively on road miles, ensuring that rural communities see an added benefit.
  • The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will provide technical assistance to help municipalities maximize the impact of these funds.
  • The legislation will also ease congestion and address safety issues across the state, improving conditions for drivers, pedestrians, transit riders, and bicyclists in critical areas.

Statistics:

  • $300 million in Chapter 90 funding to cities and towns across Massachusetts.
  • $500 million for pavement and bridge upgrades through MassDOT's lifecycle asset management program.
  • $200 million for culvert replacement and small bridge maintenance.
  • $185 million to ease congestion and improve safety in high-need areas.
  • $100 million allocated based exclusively on road miles, benefiting rural communities.
  • $1.1 billion total investment in transportation and infrastructure across the state.
  • 50% increase over recent years in Chapter 90 funding to rural communities.

Sources:

  • Press release from the office of the Governor of Massachusetts
  • Statements from Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano, Senate President Karen E. Spilka, and other officials.