This week, Senator Nick Collins, as a member of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, voted to report favorably a $2.737 billion transportation bond bill that would help repair local roads and bridges, invest in public transit infrastructure, and support housing development across Massachusetts.
The legislation, H.5375, An Act financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges, includes $300 million to support municipal road and bridge repairs, including $200 million for the traditional Chapter 90 program and an additional $100 million distributed based on road mileage to provide greater support to communities with extensive local road networks.
The bill also includes $500 million for MassDOT’s Lifecycle Asset Management Program to accelerate repairs to pavement and bridges in the poorest condition, $200 million to support housing-enabling infrastructure such as stormwater improvements and pedestrian connections, $200 million for Department of Conservation and Recreation transportation infrastructure, and $200 million for rapid rail and commuter rail improvements, vehicle modernization, and new vehicle procurements at the MBTA.
The legislation also reauthorizes several successful transportation programs, including Shared Streets and Spaces grants and major state and federally aided roadway and bridge initiatives.
“When we invest in roads, bridges, and public transit, we are investing directly in the people who rely on them every day,” said Senator Collins. “This bill also creates important opportunities to secure funding for DCR sites and public spaces in Dorchester, South Boston, and the South End, including the Southwest Corridor, Moakley Park, Castle Island, Marine Park and Carson Beach. I will continue pushing to make sure these neighborhood assets receive the investment they need to remain safe, accessible, and well maintained for the residents who use them year-round.”
The bill now moves to the Senate floor for consideration by the full Senate.