BOSTON—State Senator Jason Lewis and State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian are pleased to announce that Melrose is receiving $523,713 in Chapter 90 funds from the state to fund local transportation infrastructure, as part of a $200 million allocation to support transportation-related improvements, including road and bridge repairs, across Massachusetts.
Along with designating funding for individual communities, the legislation also authorizes $175 million for grant programs that will further assist municipalities with various transportation-related projects. This includes $25 million for each of the following: municipal small bridge program; Complete Streets program; bus transit infrastructure program; grants to increase and improve access to mass transit and commuter rail stations; grants for municipalities and regional transit authorities to purchase electric vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support them; funding for pavement and surface improvements on state and municipal roadways; and new funding dedicated to additional transportation support based on road mileage, which is particularly helpful for rural communities.
“I’m very pleased that the state legislature is providing these critical funds to our local communities for transportation improvements,” said Lewis. “I know that this money will certainly be put to good use in Melrose improving roads, sidewalks, and other infrastructure.”
“I was glad to join the legislature in voting to appropriate these funds to our municipalities, including for the Complete Streets program, road infrastructure for buses, and enhanced access to mass transit,” said Lipper-Garabedian. “Such investments are critical for quality of life, including in a District that has commuter rail and public buses in addition to being contiguous to the Orange Line, and to meet our climate goals.”
After passing both the House and Senate, this bill now heads to Governor Healey for her signature.