Haverhill was awarded about $1.6 million in road improvement money along with allocations to surrounding communities as Gov. Maura T. Healey signed the seasonal state allocation.
The money is part of $200 million statewide for bridge and road maintenance and other infrastructure projects under what is known as the Chapter 90 program. Haverhill received the largest amount in the area because of a formula that takes into account total square miles of streets and other criteria. Other area awards were Lawrence, $1.4 million; Andover, $1.3 million; Methuen, $1.2 million; North Andover, $809,565; Georgetown, $306,938; Groveland; $226,403; and West Newbury, $212,580.
“We know that residents’ quality of life and our state’s economic strength depends on people being able to get where they need to go safely and on time,” said Healey in a statement. “These Chapter 90 funds and millions more for six grant programs will help us deliver on critical road, bridge and infrastructure projects that communities and the traveling public need.” The additional infrastructure grant programs total $175 million.
In addition, the state said, cities and towns may use the state money as proof of matching funds when competing for new federal grant opportunities under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“As a former mayor, I know how much this money means to our cities and towns,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “In particular, Chapter 90 apportionments go a long way in making sure our transportation system is safe and reliable for people who live, work and visit our communities.”
Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt said the money may be used for sidewalks, improving pavement conditions, building bicycle lanes and other projects.