Press Room

An Act financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges extends critical aid to cities and towns as they patch potholes and shore up roads and bridges. The $2.737 billion bond bill looks beyond short-term repairs and further invests in public transit infrastructure, Department of Conservation and Recreation roadways, and support for new housing projects.

The details of the legislation are below.

Repairing Local Roads and Bridges Through the Chapter 90 Program

Fills Potholes and Fixes Bridges. Aids cities and towns addressing local road and bridge repairs with a total of $300 million, of which $200 million would be available through the traditional Chapter 90 program distribution. An additional $100 million would boost more rural areas through distribution based on municipalities’ road mileage.

Enhancing Transportation Development and Modernization

Fast-Tracks Critical Projects. Supports high-priority repair projects with a $500 million bond authorization for MassDOT’s Lifecycle Asset Management Program, which fast-tracks repairs for pavement and bridges considered to be in the worst condition.

Encourages New Housing Development. Authorizes $200 million aimed at spurring new housing construction with capital projects such as stormwater management, culverts, and bike and pedestrian infrastructure.

Boosts MBTA and DCR Infrastructure. Bolsters transportation infrastructure under the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) by authorizing $200 million in borrowing to repair and modernize transportation infrastructure under the department’s care. Supports rapid rail and commuter rail at the MBTA with $200 million to implement rail improvements, vehicle modernization, and new vehicle procurements at the public transit agency.

Continuing Successful Transportation Programs

Reauthorizes Infrastructure Programs. Reauthorizes and provides additional spending authority for infrastructure investments included in the 2022 Transportation Bond Bill, including: $2.3 billion for projects on the federal highway system; $800 million for non-federally aided roadway and bridge projects; $65 million for the municipal roadway construction program; and $12 million for the Shared Streets and Spaces municipal grant program.