PEABODY — The City of Peabody is slated to receive $1,227,164 in state funding for roads under the terms of a bill passed by the Massachusetts Senate.
The bill provides for $350 million in bond authorizations for transportation needs across the state, including $200 million for the state’s Chapter 90 program. This program provides municipalities with a reliable funding source for transportation-related improvements, including road and bridge repairs.
“Chapter 90 funds make up a significant portion of our roads maintenance budget and enable us to pave several streets each year,” said Peabody Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt, Jr.
Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) said she is proud to join her Massachusetts Senate colleagues in supporting local infrastructure projects in Massachusetts.
“Each year the legislature passes this important funding package to enable cities and towns to invest in and make necessary repairs to local roads and bridges,” Lovely said.
Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation, said the state’s transportation system connects its residents to their jobs, families and communities.
“This investment is not just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in the future of our Commonwealth, enabling our cities and towns to make the necessary improvements to promote efficient and safe travel for all,” Crighton said.
Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) said the legislation will maintain and improve the state’s infrastructure and ensure that “residents have safe and reliable transportation options and support sustainable, regionally equitable economic development in communities across the Commonwealt.”
“I’d like to thank Sen. Crighton for his work in crafting this legislation, Sen. Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester) for his help in advancing it, and all of my Senate colleagues for working collaboratively to ensure the transportation needs of our cities and towns are addressed in a regionally equitable manner,” Spilka said.
“Thank you to Senate President Spilka and Chairs Crighton and Kennedy for your work to advance this vital legislation,” said Lovely.
Bettencourt said he is grateful to Lovely and Peabody’s state representatives, Rep. Thomas Walsh (D-Peabody) and Rep. Sally Kerans (D-Danvers) “for their continued advocacy at the state level,” and is also grateful to Crighton for his efforts.
Other communities within the Second Essex District that also received grants include Beverly ($1,046,538), Danvers ($877,025) and Salem ($833,973).
The legislation also authorizes $150 million in programs to assist municipalities with several transportation-related projects. This includes $25 million for the following: the municipal small bridge program; the complete streets program; a bus transit infrastructure program; grants to increase 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; and new funding dedicated to additional transportation support based on road mileage.
As a different version of the bill had previously been passed in the House of Representatives. The two chambers will now reconcile differences before sending the bill to Gov. Maura Healey.
