LYNN – Potholes beware; the impending budget woes set to hit the city won’t have quite as much of an effect on roadwork repairs and reconstruction this spring thanks to more than $1 million in state transportation funding.Lynn delegates Sen. Thomas McGee, Reps. Robert Fennell, Steven Walsh and Lori Ehrlich announced Thursday Lynn will receive $1,123,792 in Chapter 90 funding to be used for transportation improvements, such as road and sidewalk repairs, bridge work and reconstruction.The money is part of Gov. Deval Patrick’s 2008 Transportation Bond Bill, something that, despite the state’s far-reaching economic woes, Patrick has expanded and vows to continue at an enhanced rate. According to a press release, the amount of funding for each community is based on a formula developed by the Legislative Road Caucus, taking into effect road miles, employees and population.”Even during these difficult times it is essential that the state continue to help fund local transportation projects,” said McGee. “It is important that this money be made available to Lynn for infrastructure improvements that will benefit the entire community.”With an aging infrastructure seemingly taking more abuse with every weather pattern, funding is greatly needed in the city for routine work as well as special projects, and while they did not name any specifics Friday, city leaders say they are glad just to know that the city’s bank account has been padded with this funding.”I am extremely pleased that even with the current economic downturn in the economy, we are able to maintain this funding for the upkeep of our roadways and bridges,” said Fennell. “Serving on the transportation committee I have worked closely with Joseph Wagner and the Patrick administration in prioritizing funding for Lynn and the cities and towns as we also conduct a comprehensive study and overhaul of the state’s transportation system and its finances.”While also grateful for the funding, Walsh was quick to point out that the House is not done pursuing changes in the way the state funds transportation projects and vowed to keep working with his colleagues to assure that the infrastructure of the city receives the attention it needs.”Our transportation infrastructure has seen years of neglect and we must now take steps to undo the damage,” said Walsh. “Our first step was the passage of the Transportation Bond Bill last session and that will continue to provide much needed funding for roads and bridges this fiscal year. Our next step in the legislature is to pass comprehensive transportation reform to guarantee that our roads and bridges are maintained in an equitable way and without burdening North Shore residents.”Patrick’s release of more Chapter 90 funds, typically used as general local aid for road and bridge projects, comes just months after he cut a huge chunk of local aid from communities in the fiscal year 2009 budget.The Transportation Bond Bill has also come through for the town of Saugus, with $455,294 in funding for similar projects to be paid out in the next fiscal year.”This money is essential for maintaining the quality of transportation in our town’s neighborhoods and I am very pleased to see it continued at this enhanced rate, without reduction,” said Rep. Mark Falzone. “As a member of the Legislative Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets in 2008, I worked to shepherd this funding through the Massachusetts legislature. I am particularly proud to see that, despite tough economic times, we were able to maintain this fundamental state financial support for the town of Saugus.”