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Health & Fitness

House Approves $12.7 Billion Transportation Finance Legislation Including $300 Million for Local Aid

Unanimous Vote Reaffirms Commitment to Investing in Local Aid and Transportation

(BOSTON) –State Representative Jennifer Benson (D-Lunenburg) joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in approving a $12.7 billion bond bill to assist Massachusetts communities in paying for local transportation-related projects. 

The bond bill authorizes $300 million in Chapter 90 funding to help cities and towns complete road, bridge and infrastructure improvement projects. This marks the eighth consecutive year that the House has either raised or level-funded Chapter 90. The legislation also includes a provision designating South Station the “Governor Michael S. Dukakis Transportation Center at South Station.”

“I was pleased to work with my colleagues, in the House, to pass The Transportation Bond Bill,” said Representative Benson.  “Passing a bill that appropriates a record amount of $300 million in Chapter 90 funds to road repair, speaks to the House’s continued commitment to providing communities with the necessary means to complete transportation projects. The bill will not only positively impact local communities, but will certainly have a significant impact on the state’s transportation infrastructure system, as a whole.”

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The legislation will improve and modernize the state’s infrastructure system through projects including:

  • $2.97 billion for state-wide roadway and bridge projects;$350 million in investments for Regional Transit Authority improvements;
  •  $125 million to support the Department of Conservation in preserving and improving historic parkways;
  •  $2.5 billion for MBTA rail improvements including new Red and Orange Line cars.

The bill also includes $50 million in grant monies for the ‘complete streets’ project which supports investments that accommodate users including motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit.

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The bill now moves to the Senate.

 

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