Fall River, Taunton, other local cities, towns receive additional funds for road, transportation projects

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration is announcing that $20 million in additional funding will be provided to cities and towns in Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) for road construction and transportation improvement projects. This funding was included in a supplemental budget signed by Governor Charlie Baker on Friday, December 13, bringing total funding for FY20 awarded through the Chapter 90 formula to $220 million. With this additional $20 million, the total funding to date provided through the Chapter 90 program during the Baker-Polito Administration is now $1.36 billion.

“This funding represents our continued commitment to supporting communities as they address the maintenance and modernization of local infrastructure, which are a critical part of the Commonwealth’s transportation network,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are pleased to provide this additional transportation funding for local projects in cities and towns across the Commonwealth.”

“Municipal officials count on Chapter 90 funding each year for essential projects, and we appreciate the Legislature adopting our proposal for additional funding in the supplemental budget,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “This support will allow community leaders to take action immediately so that projects are ‘shovel ready’ for the spring construction season.”

“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 Complete Streets Funding Program. 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,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “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 Commonwealth. Funding for each municipality is predetermined by a formula that includes factors such as population, road miles, and employment.

Some of the figures from local cities and towns:

DARTMOUTH
Previous: $1,193,880
New: $119,388
Total: $1,313,268

FALL RIVER
Previous:$1,919,875
New: $191,987
Total: $2,111,862

FREETOWN
Previous: $403,352
New: $40,335
Total: $443,688

SOMERSET
Previous: $505,493
New: $50,549
Total: $556,042

SWANSEA
Previous: $571,679
New: $57,168
Total: $628,847

TAUNTON
Previous: $1,438,802
New: $143,880
Total: $1,582,683

WESTPORT
Previous: $667,172
New: $66,717
Total: $733,889