Governor Baker seeks $200 Million for Road/Bridge Improvements

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration filed An Act Financing Improvements to Municipal Roads and Bridges, which authorizes $200 million in Chapter 90 transportation funds to support all 351 cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth. Since taking office in 2015, the Baker-Polito Administration has already released $700 million in Chapter 90 infrastructure funds; today’s request would bring that total to $900 million.

“Chapter 90 funding provides critical support for local officials who need to repair infrastructure in cities and towns across Massachusetts,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Roads and bridges in good repair throughout the Commonwealth are an essential component of growing our state and regional economy, and we look forward to working with the Legislature to secure this funding before construction season begins.”

“As a former local official, I understand what an important tool flexible Chapter 90 funding is for Massachusetts cities and towns,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Our administration, through Chapter 90 and several other locally-focused programs like Chapter 70 and local aid, is proud to serve as a reliable partner for our municipalities and we hope for swift action from the Legislature on these important funds.”

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) Chapter 90 program reimburses cities and towns for costs incurred for eligible transportation projects. This is the fourth year that the Baker-Polito Administration has filed for $200 million for Chapter 90 funds.

“Chapter 90 funding is just one of the many ways we support the Commonwealth’s cities and towns through our capital investment plan,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Heffernan. “This key program gives municipal officials the flexibility to address the specific needs of their communities.”

“Through the leadership of Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito, MassDOT is continuing to support our municipal partners and empower them to invest in local roads, sidewalks, intersections, and bridges,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “By working closely with our cities and towns and allowing them to strengthen their infrastructure through measures such as the Chapter 90 program, as well the Administration’s Small Bridge and Complete Streets programs, we can ensure residents and commuters are better connected to their families, jobs, business, and other opportunities across the Commonwealth.”

Funding for each municipality is predetermined by a formula that includes factors such as population, road miles, and employment. Cities and towns must submit receipts to the MassDOT Highway Division district in which they are located which verifies that the expenditures qualify for reimbursement under Chapter 90. The Highway Districts in turn submit these receipts to the Department of Transportation’s Fiscal Department which facilitates the reimbursements to cities and towns.

More information about the Chapter 90 program is available here.

To search for current-year Chapter 90 funding apportionments by municipality, please visit here.