Massachusetts Senate passes $300 million transportation infrastructure bill

Bay State residents could soon see smoother roads, better sidewalks and traffic improvements after lawmakers passed legislation to invest $300 million into municipal and statewide transportation infrastructure projects.

“As we emerge from the pandemic and travel across the Commonwealth picks up, we must invest in a transportation system that is reliable, sustainable, safe, accessible and equitable,” Senate President Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, said in a statement.

Her office said that $200 million of the funds will go toward municipalities’ roads and bridges, and $100 million will support statewide projects to alleviate traffic, improve electric vehicle infrastructure and improve public transportation.

“Safe roads, reliable bridges, and modernized transit infrastructure made possible through this bill exemplifies the Senate’s approach to public transportation,” said Senate Transportation Committee Chair Joe Boncore, D-Winthrop.

Specifically, the bill includes $200 million in chapter 90 funding for cities and towns to complete projects on their roadways, bridges, sidewalks and bikeways; $25 million for the Municipal Small Bridge Program to repair “structurally deficient local bridges” that aren’t eligible for federal aid; $25 million to address local traffic bottlenecks and other traffic flow issues; $25 million for electric vehicle infrastructure; and $25 million for “transit-supportive infrastructure” including bus lanes and stops.

The legislation now moves to the House.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3haK1Ov