Bill with Ch. 90 funding moves in the House

A transportation bond bill with $300 million for the Chapter 90 local road and bridge program has moved to the House Committee on Ways and Means following a favorable report on April 8 from the Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets.

In addition to Chapter 90, the transportation bond bill (H. 5279) includes:
• $200 million for transportation improvements that support expanded housing development
• $200 million for a new Parkway Resilience Improvement and Safety Modernization investment program
• $500 million for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Bridge and Pavement Lifecycle Asset Management Programs
• $200 million for the MBTA’s Rail Reliability Program

The MMA testified in support of the bill during an April 7 hearing before the Bonding Committee. The MMA panel urged swift action to ensure that municipalities have funding secured for the upcoming construction season.

The MMA also testified before the Joint Committee on Transportation on March 3.

The governor began the Chapter 90 process in late January when she filed a bill proposing a four-year, $1.2 billion authorization for Chapter 90.

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means released a re-drafted version of the bill with a one-year, $300 million authorization for the program.

The proposed $300 million per year for base Chapter 90 funding would match last year’s level, which was a 50% increase over previous years.

All 351 municipalities in Massachusetts benefit from the Chapter 90 reimbursement program. The MMA has long advocated for a multi-year Chapter 90 authorization, paired with adequate funding, to help municipalities budget more effectively and efficiently.