Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
The Legislature on July 31 enacted a transportation bond bill that would deliver a 50% increase to base funding for the Chapter 90 local road and bridge program, along with key investments in initiatives overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
The bill would distribute $200 million based on the traditional Chapter 90 formula, and $100 million based on road miles. Under the terms of the bill, 85% of communities would receive an increase of at least 45% in base Chapter 90 funding, according to the Executive Office for Administration and Finance.
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.”
The transportation bond bill (H. 4307) now goes to Gov. Maura Healey for her consideration.
The funding in the bond bill would join $103.5 million in 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,” Chapdelaine continued, “and are grateful for the Healey-Driscoll administration’s leadership in its proposal and partnership on this great bill.”
In an effort to help communities program this funding more quickly, MassDOT announced that it would begin to accept project requests for fiscal 2026 funding prior to the bill completing the legislative process. Project reimbursements cannot be processed, however, until after the bond bill and its related terms bill have both completed the legislative process.