Legislative Delegation Announces Road Repair Funds for Wakefield

State Senator Jason Lewis and State Representatives Kate Lipper-Garabedian and Donald Wong are pleased to announce that the Town of Wakefield is receiving $667,155 in Chapter 90 funds from the state to help fund local transportation infrastructure improvements.

This funding is a result of the state legislature’s passage of An Act financing improvements to municipal roads and bridges, which authorized $200 million for repairs and improvements to municipal roads and bridges through the state’s Chapter 90 program.

"I'm very pleased that the state legislature is providing these badly needed funds to our local communities for transportation improvements," said Senator Jason Lewis. "I know that this money will certainly be put to good use in Wakefield improving roads, sidewalks, and other infrastructure."

“I am pleased to have secured $667,155 for Wakefield along with Senator Lewis and Representative Wong,” said Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian. “This important funding will be used for preservation, infrastructure, and important municipal improvement projects that improve the quality of life in our cities and towns. I am proud to secure funding that will help our community grow and prosper.”

“Transportation is very important to rebuilding our local economy,” said Representative Donald H. Wong. “Good things happen when our State Delegation and local government work together. With this money we can maintain safe and reliable roads and bridges.”

The bill also authorized an additional $150 million in grant-based programs that will further assist municipalities with various transportation-related projects. This includes $30 million for the municipal small bridge repair program, $30 million for the Complete Streets grant program, $25 million for bus-related projects, $25 million for increased access to mass transit and commuter rail stations, and $40 million for pavement and surface area improvements to non-federally aided roadways.

Chapter 90 funding is allocated using a formula that is based on the weighted average of a community’s population, employment and total road miles. The funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including road resurfacing, sidewalks, street lighting, traffic control measures, and roadside drainage. Municipalities can also use the money for the purchase, replacement and long-term lease of road building machinery, equipment and tools.