House Approves $12.7 Billion Transportation Finance Legislation Including $300 Million for Local Aid

(BOSTON) – State Representative Paul Heroux joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives yesterday in approving a $12.7 billion bond bill to assist Massachusetts communities in paying for local transportation-related projects. 

The bond bill authorizes $300 million in Chapter 90 funding to help cities and towns complete road, bridge and infrastructure improvement projects. This marks the eighth consecutive year that the House has either raised or level-funded Chapter 90. The legislation also includes a provision designating South Station the “Governor Michael S. Dukakis Transportation Center at South Station.”

“Chapter 90 funds are essential to providing stability and prompting economic growth in Massachusetts,” House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said. “That growth starts on the local level which is why the House has been, and will continue to be, an unyielding champion of municipalities across the state. This bill provides cities and towns with the funds they so rightly deserve. I thank Chairman Straus and my colleagues for their work.”

“I’m pleased that this legislation authorizes an appropriation of $300 million for cities and towns through Chapter 90 and also funds a variety of important large-scale transportation projects throughout the state,” said Representative William Straus (D-Mattapoisett), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “This bill demonstrates a continued financial commitment by the House of Representatives to pay for all modes of transportation in Massachusetts including roads, bridge repairs, new trains, improvements to local airports, and major transportation infrastructure projects.  An accessible and modern transportation system is essential for economic growth.”

"Speaker DeLeo’s support for $300 million for road repairs in our cities and towns reflects the House’s continued commitment to the needs of local communities," said Representative Antonio F.D. Cabral (D-New Bedford), Chairman of the Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets.

Rep Heroux said: "While no bill is perfect, there was a lot of good in this bill. That is why I voted for this bill."

The legislation will improve and modernize the state’s infrastructure system through projects including: 

• $2.97 billion for state-wide roadway and bridge projects;
• $350 million in investments for Regional Transit Authority improvements;
• $125 million to support the Department of Conservation in preserving and improving historic parkways;
• $2.5 billion for MBTA rail improvements including new Red and Orange Line cars.

Funding for the Second Bristol District will benefit projects such as: The bill also includes $50 million in grant monies for the ‘complete streets’ project which supports investments that accommodate users including motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit.

The bill now moves to the Senate.

NOTE: This is a prepared statement by House Leadership.