(Courtesy Photograph.)
The Baker-Polito Administration has signed off on $40 million in additional funding to be provided to cities and towns in the 2019 fiscal year for road construction and transportation improvement projects. These funds will be provided via the Chapter 90 Program, which entitles cities and towns across Massachusetts to receive full reimbursement on approved capital improvement projects such as highway construction.
Gov. Charlie Baker says “we are pleased to provide this additional transportation funding for local projects in cities and towns across the Commonwealth. This funding represents our continued commitment to supporting communities as they address the maintenance and modernization of local roads, which are a critical part of the Commonwealth’s transportation network.”
Out of the $40 million, Haverhill can expect to receive $307,309 in funding, Andover is set to receive $272,788, and Methuen will see $237,298.
Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack says “the Chapter 90 funding program is one of several examples of the Administration working with municipal leaders to help meet capital needs that the communities identify as critical. The Commonwealth is focused on improving the core transportation infrastructure in the state by advocating for Chapter 90 funding and with initiatives such as the Municipal Small Bridge Program and Complete Streets Funding Program. The administration realizes local leaders often know best what capital improvements are needed at the local level.”
Chapter 90 transportation funds support all 351 cities and towns throughout the state. Funding for each municipality is predetermined by a formula that includes factors such as population, road miles, and employment. The Baker-Polito administration has released $900 million in Chapter 90 infrastructure since 2015, with $240 million having been released in the 2019 fiscal year alone.