The Senate today passed a Chapter 90 bond bill for fiscal 2023 that would appropriate $200 million for the local road maintenance program and provide an additional $150 million for other municipal grant programs related to roadwork.

The grant funding in the bill (H. 4638) includes:
• $30 million for the Municipal Small Bridge Program
• $30 million for Complete Streets
• $40 million for design, construction, repair and improvements on non-federally aided roads and bridges, including state routes and municipal roads
• $25 million to improve bus stops and stations
• $25 million for mass transit and commuter rail stations and parking lots, and related enhancements

The House had approved the same bill on March 30.

Earlier this year, the MMA and local officials had advocated for swift passage of a Chapter 90 bill and an increase to $300 million per year, indexed to inflation. The MMA also requested a multiyear bill to help cities and towns better plan for use of the funds.

The MMA’s recently updated biennial statewide survey shows that cities and towns need $600 million in Chapter 90 funding to adequately fund municipal road and bridge projects. Base funding for the program, however, has been level-funded at $200 million per year since fiscal 2012. The MMA calculates that the program’s purchasing power has decreased by 42.6% over the past 11 years to just $117 million.

The Chapter 90 reimbursement program began in 1973 to provide support to cities and towns to maintain 30,000 miles of local roads and bridges. Apportionments are calculated based on local road miles, employment and population.

The bill is expected to be enacted in both the House and Senate soon, which must be done prior to the bill heading to Gov. Charlie Baker for his consideration.

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