Gov. Healey signs transportation bill with $300M for Ch. 90

Gov. Maura Healey today signed a transportation bond bill that will deliver a 50% increase to base funding for the Chapter 90 local road and bridge program and make key investments in initiatives overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

For Chapter 90, the law will distribute $200 million based on the traditional formula, and $100 million based on road miles. According to the Executive Office for Administration and Finance, 85% of communities will receive an increase of at least 45% in their base Chapter 90 funding.

The law includes a $200 million authorization to support a culvert and small bridge program, $500 million for MassDOT bridge and pavement asset management, and $185 million for congestion and safety initiatives.

“The MMA and local leaders across the state are thrilled with this historic level of funding for the Chapter 90 program and deeply grateful to the governor and legislators for their support,” said MMA Executive Director Adam Chapdelaine. “This essential local road and bridge maintenance program, which benefits all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts, promotes safety, quality of life and economic development in our communities. The 50% increase in funding will have a substantial impact in all corners of the Commonwealth.”

The funding in the bond bill joins $103.5 million in funding for local infrastructure included in the recently enacted supplemental budget allocating surtax revenues.

In an effort to help communities program their funding more quickly, MassDOT announced on July 29 that it would accept project requests for fiscal 2026 funding prior to the signing of the transportation bond law. Project reimbursements cannot be processed, however, until after the bond bill and its related terms bill have both completed the legislative process.