The Massachusetts Legislature passed a bill recently to distribute $1.185 billion among cities and towns to maintain and repair roads and bridges across the state.
The funding, derived from bonding, will expand the Chapter 90 program and help towns address transportation-related improvements, road and bridge repairs and the impacts of climate change on local infrastructure.
The bill includes a one-year authorization of $300 million for the Chapter 90 program, a 50% increase over past funding levels. This formula will allocate $200 million to be distributed to all municipalities based on the standard Chapter 90 program distribution formula and $100 million to be distributed to all municipalities based solely on road mileage.
“With this year’s funding, we have responded to our smaller communities’ appeals for a more equitable formula,” said State Rep. Sally Kerans, who represents Danvers, Peabody Ward 6, Middleton Precinct 2, Topsfield Precinct 2 and Wenham Precinct 1A.
Chapter 90 funding is used by cities and towns to offset the costs associated with construction, repair and maintenance of local bridges and roads.
The communities of the 13th Essex District will be receiving the following funds from Chapter 90 in Fiscal Year 2026:
- Danvers: $1,555,750.48
- Middleton: $605,219.42
- Peabody: $2,223,998.49
- Topsfield: $541,271.81
- Wenham: $313,401.87
Kerans said the funding strikes a balance between increasing funding for municipal roadways and transportation-related projects while adhering to smart, sound fiscal practices.
“By giving the Governor the authority to utilize either general or special obligation bonds, we can capitalize on competitive interest rates, save money long term and preserve general obligation bond capacity for the Commonwealth’s most pressing needs,” she said.
The bill appropriates $885 million in additional funding that will help achieve long-term transportation goals. This includes:
- $500 million for the Lifecycle Asset Management Program (LAMP), which supports non-federally aided roads and targets the pavement and bridges that are in the word condition in the Commonwealth
- $200 million for a culvert and small bridge repair program for municipalities’ culverts and small bridges that are in a state of disrepair or require replacement
- $185 million for capital projects to reduce congestion hotspots
Funds will also be available for projects such as shared use paths, intersection improvements, railroad grade crossings and sidewalks.
Gov. Maura Healey signed the transportation infrastructure bond bill earlier this month.
