Governor Healey Signs Transportation Funding Bill for Local Roads, Highways, Bridges and Infrastructure to Unlock Housing

Governor Healey Signs Transportation Funding Bill for Local Roads, Highways, Bridges and Infrastructure to Unlock Housing 

Legislation includes $300 million for Chapter 90 and $200 million to support transportation improvements that will enable housing development 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today signed a major transportation funding bill to improve local roads and bridges, support housing production and strengthen transportation infrastructure across Massachusetts. The legislation includes $300 million in Chapter 90 funding for cities and towns and authorizes an additional $200 million for transportation improvements that help unlock new housing development.  

These investments will help communities' advance safety improvements, improve mobility, support economic growth and build the infrastructure needed to create more homes. 

“Every community deserves safe, reliable roads, bridges and transportation infrastructure,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This bill delivers the resources that cities and towns need to make critical improvements, improve public safety and support housing growth. We're proud to partner with local leaders across Massachusetts to make our communities more connected, more affordable and better positioned for the future.” 

“Chapter 90 funding gives communities the flexibility to address the transportation priorities that matter most to their residents,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Whether it's repairing roads, improving sidewalks, upgrading intersections or supporting new housing development, these investments will help cities and towns deliver projects that strengthen communities and improve quality of life.” 

“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 included for the MBTA. I want to thank Governor Healey for signing this important legislation into law, as well as my colleagues in the House, and our partners in the Senate, for supporting the critical investments made in this bill.” 

"With Governor Healey's signature, the vital work of fixing potholes, repairing local bridges, and building on our public transit progress will become a reality," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Cities and towns navigating a difficult financial landscape will get much-needed resources, and residents across the Commonwealth will reap the benefits as they travel around the state. I'm grateful to Governor Healey for signing it into law and to Chair Rodrigues, Chair Crighton, Chair Cronin, and Speaker Mariano for their partnership in getting it done." 

In Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26), the Healey-Driscoll Administration partnered with the Legislature to increase Chapter 90 funding by $100 million to a historic $300 million. The additional funding is distributed based on lane miles, providing significant benefits to rural and smaller communities across Massachusetts. 

“Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Legislature for continuing increased Chapter 90 funding supporting critical investments for our municipal partners and the communities they serve,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “MassDOT is committed to working with our partners providing expertise to facilitate timely delivery of work and projects that improve roadway conditions, increase safety and advance the goals of our collective long-term transportation plan by creating a more seamless, reliable and accessible multimodal transportation network.”  

 

“This legislation delivers a package of fiscally responsible, strategic support for communities across Massachusetts, including a second year of historic $300 million Chapter 90 funding and transportation investments that will unlock housing,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “We’re proud to continue investing in communities across Massachusetts and delivering long-term value for residents, families, and businesses.”   

In addition to Chapter 90 funding, the legislation authorizes: 

• $200 million for transportation improvements that support housing development, including roadway, intersection, pedestrian, bicycle and related infrastructure needed to advance new housing projects 
• $200 million for a new Parkway Resilience Improvement and Safety Modernization (PRISM) program to repair and improve safety and resilience of Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) transportation assets including roads, parkways, bridges, culverts, and multi-use paths 
• $500 million to supplement capital funding for MassDOT’s Bridge and Pavement Lifecycle Asset Management Programs (LAMP) and accelerate improvements to bridges and pavement statewide 
• $200 million for the MBTA's Rail Reliability Program and vehicle renewal efforts, including cleaner, quieter commuter rail locomotives 
• $3.2 billion for transportation reauthorizations originally included in the 2022 transportation bond bill, supporting federally aided and non-federal aid highway projects, the Municipal Pavement Program and Shared Streets and Spaces grants 
                                                                                             

“Municipalities across the Commonwealth are feeling the impact of a brutal winter, with roads, sidewalks, bridges, and culverts in need of serious repair, said Senator Brendan Crighton, Senate Chair, Joint Committee on Transportation (D-Lynn). “This funding addresses those immediate concerns, while balancing long-term investments in our DCR roadways and infrastructure of the MBTA so that people can travel safely throughout Massachusetts”. 

“Chapter 90 remains one of the most important tools we have to support our cities and towns,” said Representative James Arciero, House Chair, Joint Committee on Transportation (D-Westford). “These investments give municipalities the flexibility and resources they need to repair roads, improve bridges, enhance safety, and address local transportation priorities. By continuing to strengthen Chapter 90 and investing in critical transportation infrastructure, we are helping communities meet immediate needs while planning for long-term growth and resilience. I want to thank Governor Healey, Speaker Mariano, Chairman Aaron Michlewitz, and my legislative colleagues for their partnership and commitment to ensuring municipalities across the Commonwealth have the resources they need to keep residents and businesses moving safely and efficiently.”  

“The Chapter 90 program is the cornerstone of MassDOT’s efforts to support municipalities with a predictable, flexible funding source to address local infrastructure needs,” said Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Guilliver.  “Thanks to the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s partnership with the legislature, I am thrilled that we are providing a record setting $300 million statewide for the second year in a row. The Chapter 90 Program provides annual transportation funding directly to Massachusetts cities and towns for the construction, preservation and improvement of local transportation networks. Communities use Chapter 90 funds for a wide range of projects, including roadway resurfacing, bridge improvements, intersection upgrades, sidewalk construction, bicycle accommodations and other critical infrastructure investments. 

“The MMA and municipal leaders across the Commonwealth applaud Governor Healey for her commitment to local infrastructure by signing this transportation bond bill into law,” said Adam Chapdelaine, Executive Director & CEO of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA). “With $300 million secured for the Chapter 90 program and other critical funding, this action invests in the roads and bridges residents rely on each and every day. We are grateful to the Governor and our partners in the Legislature for recognizing the importance of these resources to public safety and a high quality of life in our 351 cities and towns."