Representative LaNatra Supports Strong Investments into Local and State Transportation Infrastructure
BOSTON – Representative Kathleen LaNatra joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing a bill that authorizes $4.58 billion in bonding for an expanded Chapter 90 Program and transportation programs to address regional needs, as well as the impacts of climate change on local infrastructure. The Chapter 90 Program provides municipalities with a funding source for transportation-related improvements, including road and bridge repairs. Similar to last year, the bill includes a one-year authorization of $300 million for the Chapter 90 Program. Within the $4.58 billion is the reauthorization of $3.18 billion in funding for several popular and well utilized programs included in the 2022 transportation bond bill, including the Municipal Pavement Program and Shared Streets. The bill also includes $1.1 billion in funding for several important programs to better prepare the Commonwealth to achieve its long-term transportation goals.
“Ensuring our roadways, bridges and other transportation infrastructure is maintained and improved upon is critical to our growth and strength as a Commonwealth. This legislation makes strong investments in municipalities roadway maintenance, while also making long-term investments in roadway, highway and other transportation improvements,” said State Representative Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston). “Thank you to Speaker Mariano as well Chairs Michlewitz, Arciero and Finn for their leadership and forward-thinking approach to the Commonwealth’s transportation needs.”
The legislation authorizes $300 million in bonding for the Chapter 90 Program and additional programs.
The one-year authorization in Chapter 90 Program funding includes:
$200 million will be distributed to all municipalities based on the standard Chapter 90 Program distribution formula.
$100 million will be distributed to all municipalities based solely on road mileage.
These authorizations will be distributed to municipalities across the Commonwealth to help fund maintenance and upkeep of local roads and bridges. The 6 communities within the 12th Plymouth district are set to receive the following amounts, totaling over $6 million in funding for the 12th Plymouth district:
Plymouth: $2,385,497.07
Kingston: $641,287.36
Halifax: $433,645.48
Plympton: $281,033.32
Pembroke: $867,555.10
Middleborough: $1,409,920.92
Additional programs to support various transportation-related projects, totaling $1.1 billion include:
$500 million for the Lifecycle Asset Management Program (LAMP) which aids non-federally funded roads and targets the pavement and bridges that are in the worst condition in the Commonwealth.
$200 million for capital projects to support housing development, including stormwater management, culverts, and bike and pedestrian improvements.
$200 million for a new accelerated deferred maintenance and modernization program for infrastructure under the care and control of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
$200 million for the MBTA for the procurement of electrically powered locomotives.
The legislation also reauthorizes $3.18 billion in funding for several programs included in the 2022 Transportation Bond Bill such as:
$2.3 billion for projects on interstates and other federally aided highways.
$800 million for improvements to non-federally aided roadways and bridges.
$65 million for the Municipal Pavement Program for engineering, permitting, design, and climate change adaptation on municipal ways.
$12 million for grants for the Shared Streets Program for improvements and projects to municipal streets to create additional capacity for pedestrians and cyclists.
Having passed the House of Representatives 155-0, the bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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