Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed a $16 billion transportation bond bill Monday, authorizing funding for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to improve the state’s transportation system.
The legislation includes nearly $5.1 billion to modernize MBTA, $100 million to improve pavement conditions on state numbered municipal roads and $50 million for municipalities to build more “Complete Streets” infrastructure that encourages residents to travel more by foot and bicycle. The bill also includes $70 million for the Municipal Small Bridge Program. Additionally, the bill expands the use of designated bus lanes and transit signal priority through two new grant programs.
“The Transportation Bond Bill builds upon our Administration’s ongoing commitment to create a 21st-century mobility infrastructure that will prepare the Commonwealth to capitalize on emerging changes in transportation technology and behavior,” Baker said. “MassDOT and the MBTA have continued to implement widespread improvements throughout the transportation system, and this new bond authorization will further support capital investment planning to rebuild, modernize, and expand the capacity of the Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure.”
Other funding in the bill includes $4.4 billion for use as funding for Highway federal aid projects, $3billion for Transit System Modernization Investments, $1.25 billion for the Next Generation Bridge program, and $825 million for South Coast Rail, among others.
“Our Administration continues to work closely with our statewide municipal partners to help identify ways in which they can make further improvements to their transportation infrastructure,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “This bill includes authorization for municipally-focused programs, such as the new Municipal Pavement program, which will support the continual efforts of municipalities to provide connectivity and healthy and safe transportation options for community members.”