Legislature gives final OK to bond bill with Ch. 90 funding

The Legislature has enacted and sent to the governor a $1.4 billion transportation bond bill that includes $300 million for the Chapter 90 local road and bridge program in fiscal 2027 to support infrastructure projects across the Commonwealth.

The $300 million Chapter 90 allocation matches last year’s funding level, which represented a 50% increase over previous years. Of the total, $200 million will be allocated using the traditional formula, and $100 million will be distributed based on road mileage as a way to increase equity for our more rural communities.

“Municipal leaders in every region and corner of Massachusetts are incredibly thankful to the Legislature for advancing this critical bill so swiftly,” said MMA Executive Director Adam Chapdelaine. “Chapter 90 continues to serve as the foundational support for local infrastructure repair. Maintaining this elevated level of funding demonstrates a clear, direct investment by lawmakers in the safety and quality of our roads.”

The $1.4 billion transportation bond bill (H. 5375) includes the following infrastructure investments:
• $500 million for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Bridge and Pavement Lifecycle Asset Management Programs
• $200 million for transportation improvements that support expanded housing development
• $200 million for a new Parkway Resilience Improvement and Safety Modernization (PRISM) investment program
• $200 million for the MBTA’s Rail Reliability Program

The House enacted the bill yesterday, and the Senate did so today.

Gov. Maura Healey started the process when she filed a bill in January proposing $300 million per year for Chapter 90. She now has 10 days to consider the final bill.

The Chapter 90 funding will benefit all 351 Massachusetts municipalities as they head into peak road construction season, making a positive impact on safety, economic development and quality of life.