Rep. Bradley, Sen. Hedlund announce $155 Million for Local Roads

Towns receive increases in state highway funding

(State House, Boston) - Friday, April 2, 2010 – Rep. Garrett Bradley (D-Hingham) and Sen. Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth) today announced that local cities and towns will receive a share of $155 million in state Chapter 90 funds to rebuild and repair local roads and bridges this year. This significant capital investment will create construction jobs, improve transportation and public safety and encourage long-term economic development across the Commonwealth.

The Town of Cohasset would receive $167,155, an increase of $6,696 over last year’s figure.  Hingham is scheduled to receive $565,744 in highway funds, $18,102 more than in 2009, while Hull would receive $226,361, an increase of nearly $8,000.

Rep. Bradley said, “The highway funding program is critically important for local communities to maintain roads, bridges and related infrastructure.  During this challenging economic climate, it also provides engineering and construction jobs for hundreds of workers.”

“Providing state aid to our local communities, like in the form of these Chapter 90 highway funds, is one of the most important things we do here in the Legislature," Sen. Hedlund said.  "Especially after the inclement weather we had this winter and spring, this money is more needed than ever."

Each city and town will receive an increase in Chapter 90 funding for the fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2010 compared to the previous year, with funds allocated using a longstanding formula based upon community road miles, population and employment. This investment represents a $5 million increase over 2009, and is part of an estimated $1.085 billion in Accelerated Bridge Program and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects.

Chapter 90 funds are allocated as part of the three-year Transportation Bond Bills approved by the Legislature in 2008. The funds may be used for road, bridge and multi-use path projects and related needs.

"Our municipalities have critical street and bridge improvement and safety projects ready to go and waiting for these funds, and MassDOT is working closely with our local partners on streamlined project design and construction to put these dollars to use quickly and wisely," said Transportation Secretary and CEO Jeffrey Mullan.