The Massachusetts Department of Transportation recently announced $5.5 million in project awards to 23 cities and towns in the fourth round of funding for the Complete Streets Funding Program.
 
Cities and towns that have a MassDOT-approved complete streets policy are eligible for up to $50,000 in funding to develop a five-year implementation plan that prioritizes specific projects to improve local transportation networks. Examples of eligible projects include intersection striping, traffic and pedestrian signals, multimodal paths and lighting.
 
After receiving MassDOT approval of the five-year plan, municipalities can then request up to $400,000 per year to complete projects listed in the plan.
 
The program relies on a funding stream that is not connected to the Chapter 90 program.
 
“Complete streets” is a planning principle that provides safe and accessible options for all travel modes – walking, biking, transit and vehicles – for people of all ages and abilities. Typical complete streets policies plan for multimodal transportation options on appropriate roadways, taking into account local travel needs and priorities, and context, such as natural and historic character.
 
Since the program’s inception in 2016, more than $23 million has been awarded to 154 municipalities that have adopted a complete streets policy. For a listing of recipient cities and towns, visit https://masscompletestreets.com/home/participationreport.
 
For assistance on developing a complete streets policy, contact D.J. Wilson at the MMA.
 

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