Massachusetts Legislature Approves Road and Bridge Funding for Cities and Towns

Massachusetts Legislature Approves Road and Bridge Funding for Cities and Towns

Annual Chapter 90 legislation delivers funding for paving roads, easing traffic, and culvert and bridge improvements

 

(BOSTON—8/1/2025) The Massachusetts Legislature yesterday passed a bill to distribute $1.2 billion among cities and towns to maintain and repair roads and bridges across the state. The funding, derived from bonding, will expand the Chapter 90 program and help address transportation related improvements, road and bridge repairs, and the impacts of climate change on local infrastructure.

 

The bill enacted today includes a one-year authorization of $300 million for the Chapter 90 Program, a 50 per cent increase over past funding levels. The bill also appropriates $885 million in additional funding that will help ensure the Commonwealth is able to achieve its long-term transportation goals.

 

“Providing funding for critical infrastructure projects through investments in the Commonwealth’s public transportation, roads, and bridges is one of the most important responsibilities that we have as members of the Legislature,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m proud of the support for local infrastructure repairs that this legislation provides, and of the funding that it allocates for projects that will address congestion hotspots across the Commonwealth. I want to thank Chairman Arciero, Chairman Finn, and all my colleagues in the House, as well as our partners in the Senate, for supporting this vital legislation.”

 

“Today the Legislature acted to give our cities and towns the financial tools they need to improve the infrastructure residents use to get to work, school and home every day,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I’m proud that this funding will go to continuing to build 21st century infrastructure in our Commonwealth and make investments in projects that promote public transit and reduce emissions. I’m thankful to Chair Rodrigues, Chair Crighton, and Chair Kennedy for their work, and to Speaker Mariano and our colleagues in the House for their partnership.”

 

“I applaud the Massachusetts Legislature for passing this bill and recognizing the need to be responsive to our cities and towns while also proceeding with caution due to the federal funding uncertainty,” said Representative James Arciero (D-Westford), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “Thank you to Speaker Ronald Mariano and Chairman Aaron Michlewitz for their leadership in the House. This bill leverages the Legislature’s strategically increased appropriations to the Commonwealth Transportation Fund to expand our borrowing capacity and allow for additional transportation funding for our local infrastructure needs."

 

“This historic level of funding will help cities and towns improve their roads and sidewalks along with other transportation infrastructure.” said Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “As we are experiencing increasing traffic congestion and the negative impacts of climate change, it is crucial that we prioritize investments that make it easier for our residents to travel safely. Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her steadfast leadership and commitment to transformative infrastructure.”

 

"This legislation strikes a balance between increasing funding for municipal roadways and transportation-related projects while maintaining outstanding fiscal responsibility,” said Representative Michael Finn (D-West Springfield), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “Our decision to continue giving the Governor the authority to utilize either general or special obligation bonds enables us to capitalize on competitive interest rates, save money long term, and preserve general obligation bond capacity for the Commonwealth's most pressing needs. I am grateful to Speaker Mariano and Chair Michlewitz' continued commitment to smart, forward-looking investments in transportation."

 

“This legislation takes into consideration years of feedback from the Administration and our local partners,” said Senator Ed Kennedy (D-Lowell), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “In addition to incorporating 50 per cent more funding to Chapter 90 than in previous years, these funds are supplemented by additional targeted resources that will improve the roads, bridges, and transportation related infrastructure in all types of communities in the Commonwealth.”

 

The one-year $300 million authorization in the Chapter 90 program funding represents a historic 50 per cent increase and includes:

 

• $200 million to be distributed to all municipalities based on the standard Chapter 90 program distribution formula;
• $100 million to be distributed to all municipalities based solely on road mileage.

Funding for three additional critical programs to support various transportation related projects include:

 

• $500 million for the Lifecycle Asset Management Program (LAMP), which supports non-federally aided roads and targets the pavement and bridges that are in the worst condition in the Commonwealth.
• $200 million for a culvert and small bridge repair program for municipalities’ local culverts and small bridges under 20 feet that are in a state of disrepair or require replacement.
• $185 million for capital projects to reduce congestion hotspots, funding that will be available for projects such as shared use paths, intersection improvements, railroad grade crossings, and sidewalks.

Both chambers of the Legislature having voted to enact the legislation, the bill now goes to the Governor for her signature.