Massachusetts Legislature Passes Chapter 90 Funding

BOSTON- Representative David P. Linsky (D-Natick) joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature in passing a bill authorizing $200 million for Chapter 90 funding to help municipalities complete road, bridge, transportation, and infrastructure improvement projects. The bill additionally funds seven $25 million authorizations, including one new grant program, for a total of $175 million in investments for transportation-related projects. The legislation passed in both the House and the Senate, with votes of 157-0 and 38-0, respectively.

This Chapter 90 bill includes the highest level of funding in history, an important step forward in ensuring appropriate investment in municipal transportation networks. This money includes six different $25 million grant programs much like last fiscal year, which serve to fund projects such as the Complete Streets Funding Program, Municipal Small Bridge Program, and more. The seventh program funded through this legislation is a new grant allocating $25 million for road construction in rural municipalities.

“Chapter 90 investments in municipal transportation infrastructure are crucial for the safety and welfare of our Commonwealth and the Fifth Middlesex District,” said Representative Linsky. “I’m proud of the incredible amount of funding this bill provides Natick and Wayland, as well as other towns and cities across the state. I want to thank Speaker Mariano, Chairman Straus, Senate President Spilka, and my colleagues and partners in the House and Senate, for their tireless work to pass this important piece of legislation.”

Chapter 90 funds are determined through a formula based on a city or town’s total population, miles of road, and population statistics. Under this allocation, the towns of the Fifth Middlesex District received funding at the following levels:

Natick: $962,947.42

Wayland: $470,019.29

After its passage in the Legislature on July 27th, the legislation now moves to Governor Healey’s desk for her consideration.

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