Transportation bond bill with $300M for Ch. 90 sent to Governor’s desk

Today, the Legislature enacted a transportation bond bill that would deliver a 50% increase to the base Chapter 90 program funding. The bill proposes $300 million for the road and bridge program alongside key investments in initiatives overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

The boost to the Chapter 90 program would distribute $200 million based on the traditional Chapter 90 program and $100 million based on road miles. According to calculations published by the Executive Office for Administration and Finance, the proposed funding delivery would ensure that 85% of communities would receive an increase of at least 45% in base Chapter 90 funding.

The bill also proposes 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 deeply grateful that legislators appreciate the importance of this program to quality of life and economic development in our communities,” said MMA Executive Director Adam Chapdelaine. “Chapter 90 is a program that benefits all 351 cities and towns in the state, and a 50% increase in funding would have a substantial impact in all corners of the Commonwealth. The MMA would like to thank Speaker Mariano, Senate President Spilka, Chairs Michlewitz, Rodrigues, Finn, Kennedy, Arciero, and Crighton – and so many others, who brought us to this point.”

H. 4307 now goes to Governor Healey for her consideration. The funding from this bill would also join the $103.5 million of funding for local infrastructure from the recently enacted surplus supplemental budget from surtax revenues.

“We are thrilled to see this bill on the Governor’s desk, and are grateful for the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s leadership in its proposal and partnership on this great bill.”

Earlier this week, MassDOT announced that they would begin to accept project requests for FY26 funding prior to the bill completing the legislative process as an effort to support communities to program this funding quickly. However, project reimbursements cannot be processed until after the bond and terms bills have both completed the legislative process.