Massachusetts: Baker-Polito Administration Files for $200 Million in Chapter 90 Local Transportation Funding, Highlights Fiscal Year 2022 Local Aid Proposal

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BOSTON — The Baker-Polito Administration today filed an "An Act Financing Improvements to Municipal Roads and Bridges," which seeks $200 million in Chapter 90 funding to help all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts improve transportation infrastructure and address needs within their local communities. Governor Charlie Baker made this announcement at the Massachusetts Municipal Association's (MMA) Annual Meeting last week.

This funding request complements the $39.5 million increase in unrestricted local aid that will be included in the Administration's Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) budget proposal, as announced by Lt. Governor Karyn Polito at the MMA meeting last week. The Administration's full FY22 budget proposal is expected to be released in the coming days.

"Investing in local roads and bridges helps connect residents with jobs and opportunities across the Commonwealth, and promotes economic growth and development," said Governor Baker. "We are pleased to continue providing support and resources to cities and towns throughout Massachusetts, and ensuring municipalities have the flexibility and resources to address their unique needs."

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"Our Administration remains committed to being a reliable partner for every city and town in Massachusetts," said Lt. Governor Polito. "These meaningful resources empower municipalities to carry out important projects and improve their infrastructure, and we look forward to working closely with the Legislature to pass this bill."

This $200 million in Chapter 90 funding would be available to local cities and towns for FY22. After taking office in 2015, Governor Baker quickly directed MassDOT to release $100 million in Chapter 90 funds that had been promised the previous year, fulfilling a commitment made to cities and towns. The Baker-Polito Administration has released a total of $1.36 billion in funding through the Chapter 90 formula, and if approved by the Legislature, this most recent request would bring the total to $1.56 billion.

"The Baker-Polito Administration continues to focus on supporting cities and towns and promoting a strong, equitable economic recovery," said Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Heffernan. "We are proud to once again request $200 million in Chapter 90 funding and uphold our promise to provide an increase in local aid which is equivalent to tax revenue growth."

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The Administration's FY22 budget proposal will include $1.168 billion for unrestricted general government aid (UGGA), a $39.5 million increase over Fiscal Year 2021, and equal to a projected 3.5% increase in tax revenue in the FY22 consensus revenue estimate. Including the FY22 budget proposal, the Administration has increased the total annual UGGA distribution by $222 million since taking office.

"Chapter 90 funding helps cities and towns meet important needs ranging from road paving projects to sidewalk repairs to pedestrian and bicycle facilities to other infrastructure improvements," said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. "The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to helping our communities invest in their transportation infrastructure and help the public get around safely and efficiently, through both Chapter 90 funding and our municipal grant programs."

Through the Chapter 90 program, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) reimburses cities and towns for costs incurred for eligible transportation projects. Funding is awarded by municipality and is predetermined by a formula that includes factors such as population, road miles, and employment.

More information about the Chapter 90 program is available here.

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