MassDOT accepting applications for municipal small bridge program

On Sept. 12, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation posted the application for funding under a new municipal small bridge program.
 
The program addresses bridges with spans of 10 to 20 feet for which cities and towns are responsible. The objective is to assist communities with the costs for design, construction and preservation of these bridges.
 
The program targets bridges that are not eligible for federal funding. The program allows for a maximum reimbursement of $500,000 per year per municipality.
 
There are approximately 1,300 municipal bridges across the state with spans between 10 and 20 feet.
 
Applications for the first round of the program are due on Oct. 31. Applications will be accepted three times a year, with deadlines of Oct. 31, Feb. 28 and June 30.
 
The MassDOT is holding Small Bridge Program FAQ sessions on the following schedule (all begining at 7:30 a.m.):
• Oct. 4, Hadley Farms Meeting House, Hadley
• Oct. 5, Holiday Inn, Taunton
• Oct. 7, Beechwood Hotel, Worcester
• Oct. 11, Hilton Garden Inn, Pittsfield
• Oct. 14, Courtyard Boston Downtown
• Oct. 18, Doubletree by Hilton Boston-Bedford Glen
 
Approved projects will be funded through reimbursement agreements between MassDOT and the municipality. Applications may also be submitted for emergency review at any time, if the municipality includes an explanation of the emergency circumstances.
 
On Aug. 10, Gov. Charlie Baker signed an $800 million transportation bond bill that includes the five-year, $50 million authorization for the new municipal small bridge program.
 
For more information and to view the application, visit http://tinyurl.com/munibridges.