Timilty Passes Legislation Authorizing Chapter 90 Funding
(BOSTON – 03/30/2023) State Senator Walter F. Timilty, along with his colleagues in the 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.
“This legislation will maintain and improve our state’s infrastructure, and ensure that residents have safe and reliable transportation options,” said Timilty. “Together, my Senate colleagues and I have worked collaboratively to ensure the transportation needs of our cities and towns are addressed in a regionally equitable manner.”
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 mileage, 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.