Mass. Gov. Charlie Baker announced Friday that his administration intends to file legislation this week for $200 million in Chapter 90 local transportation funding.
The funds would help 351 cities and towns across the state improve their transportation infrastructure and address other local needs.
“As former local officials, Lt. Governor Polito and I pledged to be strong partners with cities and towns throughout our administration, and with these proposed investments in our cities and towns and local infrastructure, we are proud to sustain that commitment,” Baker said. “The budget proposals we have filed throughout our time in office kept our promise to cities and towns to increase local aid funding consistent with the growth in state tax revenue, and we have consistently filed for additional Chapter 90 funds to make critical improvements for local roads and bridges.”
The funding will complement a $31.5 million increase in unrestricted local aid included in Baker’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget proposal. Over time, the administration’s budget proposals have increased local aid consistent with tax revenue, the governor’s office said.
The Chapter 90 funding would be available to cities and towns for fiscal year 2023. Since taking office, Baker’s administration has released a total of $1.56 billion in funding through the Chapter 90 formula. If approved by the legislation, Baker’s recent request would bring that total to $1.76 billion.
“The Baker-Polito Administration continues to focus on supporting cities and towns by providing critical resources through the Chapter 90 program and through increases in local aid,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Heffernan. “We are proud to once again request these important resources which give municipalities the tools they need to effectively improve their communities.”