Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker recently signed legislation authorizing $200 million in Chapter 90 transportation funds to improve municipal roads and bridges.
Chapter 90 reimburses the state’s 351cities and towns for the cost of eligible transportation projects.
Municipalities must submit receipts verifying expenditures to their MassDOT Highway Division district to qualify. The highway districts then submit receipts to the Department of Transportation’s Fiscal Department.
Chapter 90 funds for fiscal year 2020 were awarded in amounts between $8,838 and $14.7 million.
“As the Governor’s Commission on the Future of Transportation in the Commonwealth report pointed out, transportation needs, challenges and solutions vary across the state, so it is appropriate that communities have Chapter 90 funds to use on their specific priorities,” Stephanie Pollack, Massachusetts transportation secretary and CEO, said. “That is also why the Administration’s additional transportation funding programs are so vital, such as the Municipal Small Bridge Program, Complete Streets Funding Program and Safe Routes to School.”
State lawmakers approved Baker’s Chapter 90 funding request last month. In addition to the road projects, lawmakers approved $200 million for rail improvements and allocated $1.5 billion in federal funds for interstate highway repairs.
A total of $1.14 billion has been awarded through the Chapter 90 since 2015.