Hingham To Receive Over $750K for Local Roads

Rep. Garrett Bradley (D-Hingham) and Sen. Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth)  announced last week that local cities and towns will receive a share of $200 million in state Chapter 90 funds to rebuild and repair local roads and bridges this year.

This significant capital investment will create construction jobs, improve transportation and public safety and encourage long-term economic development across the Commonwealth.

The Town of Hingham is scheduled to receive $752,647.  Funding is allocated based upon the town having a population of 22,157 (2010 Census); 13,022 people employed within the town, and 110.06 miles of publicly accepted roads.  Local highway officials were notified of the funding appropriation in a letter dated April 1.

 “The highway funding program is critically important for local communities to maintain roads, bridges and related infrastructure,” Bradley said.  “During this challenging economic climate, it also provides engineering and construction jobs for hundreds of workers.”

Hedlund agreed saying, “Providing state aid to our local communities, such as Chapter 90 highway funds, is one of the most important things we do in the Legislature. These funds allow for critical infrastructure improvements, while having the added benefit of creating employment opportunities in our cities and towns.”

Each city and town will receive Chapter 90 funding for the fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2013, with funds allocated using a longstanding formula based upon miles of publicly accepted roads, population and the number of people employed within the town borders. The total amount appropriated statewide is maintained at the same $200 million level as last year.

Chapter 90 funds were allocated as part of the Transportation Bond Bill making its way through the Legislature. The funds may be used for road, bridge and multi-use path projects and related needs.

-Office of Garrett Bradley.