(BOSTON – 03/30/2023) The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday passed a bill that includes $350 million in bond authorizations for transportation needs across the state, including $200 million for the state’s Chapter 90 program, which provides municipalities with a reliable funding source for transportation-related improvements, including road and bridge repairs. Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) voted in favor of the measure.
“This legislation continues our state’s commitment to investing in a functional, sustainable network of transportation infrastructure,” said Senator Friedman, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “It allows for transportation improvements statewide, including grant money for electric vehicles to municipalities and funds to enhance access to mass transit and commuter rail stations, strengthening our larger public transportation system, which is in need of support in the Greater Boston area.”
This legislation also authorizes $150 million in programs that will assist municipalities with various transportation-related projects. This includes $25 million for each of the following:
- the municipal small bridge program;
- the complete streets program;
- a bus transit infrastructure program;
- grants to increase access to mass transit and commuter rail stations;
- grants for municipalities and regional transit authorities to purchase electric vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support them;
- and new funding dedicated to additional transportation support based on road milage, which is particularly helpful for rural communities.
A different version having previously been passed in the House of Representatives, the two chambers will now reconcile differences before sending the bill to the Governor’s desk.
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