Winchester Legislators Announce Road Repair Funds

State Senators Jason Lewis and Pat Jehlen and State Representative Mike Day are pleased to announce that the Town of Winchester is receiving $519,068 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 Winchester improving roads, sidewalks, and other infrastructure."

"Good bridges and roads are vital for a welcoming and thriving downtown," said Senator Jehlen. "Small businesses were hit hard by the pandemic and need our support to recover in order to continue being active in our communities for years to come. This funding will help Winchester continue to thrive post-pandemic."

“I am happy to bring home this much needed aid for our communities,” Representative Michael S. Day said. “Providing our Departments of Public Works with the resources they need to keep our roads and infrastructure in good condition is critical.”

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.