Reps Stanley, Lawn Pass Bill Authorizing Chapter 90 funding

BOSTON – Wednesday, April 15, 2026 – The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a bill that authorizes $4.58 billion in bonding for an expanded Chapter 90 Program and transportation programs to address regional needs, as well as the impacts of climate change on local infrastructure. The Chapter 90 Program provides municipalities with a funding source for transportation-related improvements, including road and bridge repairs. Waltham’s FY27 Chapter 90 apportionment will be $1,957,766.02.

Similar to last year, the bill includes a one-year authorization of $300 million for the Chapter 90 Program. Within the $4.58 billion is the reauthorization of $3.18 billion in funding for several popular and well utilized programs included in the 2022 transportation bond bill, including the Municipal Pavement Program and Shared Streets. The bill also includes $1.1 billion in funding for several important programs to better prepare the Commonwealth to achieve its long-term transportation goals.

“This legislation will encourage long-term improvements to roadways, bridges, and transportation infrastructure,” said Representative Thomas. M. Stanley (D-Waltham). “These key investments support our local communities, foster economic development and improve our quality of life. I appreciate Speaker Mariano, Chairman Michlewitz, Chairman Arciero, Chairman Finn and my House colleagues for their efforts to develop this legislation and maintain our commitment to giving our communities critical resources for local transportation infrastructure.”

"Public safety infrastructure requires transportation support for every road user," said Representative John J. Lawn, Jr. (D-Watertown). "We must continue to fund these projects to improve transit access which includes walkability for pedestrians that are ADA-accessible through crosswalks and paved sidewalks, designated bike lanes, and bus lanes to promote reliable public transportation. I am proud to have voted yes on a bill that will enhance these initiatives."

The legislation authorizes $300 million in bonding for the Chapter 90 Program and additional programs.

The one-year authorization in Chapter 90 Program funding includes:

• $200 million will be distributed to all municipalities based on the standard Chapter 90 Program distribution formula.

• $100 million will be distributed to all municipalities based solely on road mileage.

Additional programs to support various transportation-related projects, totaling $1.1 billion include:

• $500 million for the Lifecycle Asset Management Program (LAMP) which aids non-federally funded roads and targets the pavement and bridges that are in the worst condition in the Commonwealth.

• $200 for capital projects to support housing development, including stormwater management, culverts, and bike and pedestrian improvements.

• $200 million for a new accelerated deferred maintenance and modernization program for infrastructure under the care and control of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

• $200 million for the MBTA for the procurement of electrically powered locomotives.

The legislation also reauthorizes $3.18 billion in funding for several programs included in the 2022 Transportation Bond Bill such as:

• $2.3 billion for projects on interstates and other federally aided highways.

• $800 million for improvements to non-federally aided roadways and bridges.

• $65 million for the Municipal Pavement Program for engineering, permitting, design, and climate change adaptation on municipal ways.

• $12 million for grants for the Shared Streets Program for improvements and projects to municipal streets to create additional capacity for pedestrians and cyclists.

Having passed the House of Representatives 155-0, the bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

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Statement of Support:

Adam Chapdelaine, Executive Director & CEO of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA):

“Municipal leaders across the Commonwealth are deeply grateful to the House for moving decisively on this important legislation. The Chapter 90 program remains the backbone of municipal infrastructure maintenance, and these investments directly support improvements in the safety and reliability of our local roads. On behalf of our 351 cities and towns, we're grateful to Speaker Mariano, Chair Michlewitz, Chair Finn, and Chair Arciero for their dedicated work on this comprehensive transportation package"