House OK’s broad transportation bond bill with Ch. 90 funds

By a vote of 150-0, the House yesterday passed a $1.56 billion transportation bond bill with more than 100 earmarks for public works projects in House districts.

The bill includes $200 million for the Chapter 90 road and bridge program for cities and towns – matching what was previously approved by the House in a pared-down bill in March.

While there is agreement on the $200 million funding level for Chapter 90, the House and Senate this spring passed differing bills and have been unable to reconcile them. The Senate endorsed Gov. Deval Patrick’s $1.5 billion transportation bond bill, which included the Ch. 90 funding.

With the House approval of a larger bond bill (H. 4179) yesterday, advocates hope the two branches can quickly reconcile their differences and that the overdue Chapter 90 money can be released so municipalities can start local road projects.

The Senate did not take the bill up today, but could take it up as soon as next week.