LYNN — Gov. Maura Healey has signed legislation authorizing $1,513,008 for the city to fund bridge and road maintenance and other infrastructure projects through the Commonwealth’s Chapter 90 program.
“Chapter 90 is a key resource that allows municipalities to improve and upgrade local roadway infrastructure,” Mayor Jared Nicholson said. “This funding allows the city to invest in projects that prioritize the safety and accessibility of our roads.”
A press release from the governor’s office described the legislation as authorizing $200 million to fund projects for fiscal year 2025, with 350 municipalities receiving a portion of the funding.
In addition, the Rural Roadway Funding program and six statewide transportation-infrastructure grant programs will each receive a total of $25 million.
The press release stated that the funding helps cities and town compete for new grant opportunities under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, “as proof of available matching funds is generally required as a condition of applying for a federal award, and showing the availability of dedicated funds for this purpose dramatically strengthens applications to any such federal program.”
Healey said that the state’s economic strength and quality of life are dependent on exceptional transportation infrastructure, which is why the legislation is an important step forward.
“These Chapter 90 funds and millions more for six grant programs will help us deliver on critical road, bridge, and infrastructure projects that communities and the traveling public need,” Healey said in the release.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will be the administrator of the program.
MassDOT Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt said that she has seen the “on-the-ground” impact that funding can have and is “pleased” to have played a part in the process.
“From adding to sidewalks, improving pavement condition, building bicycle lanes, and numerous other projects, municipal leaders use Chapter 90 and grant awards to invest in their transportation networks,” Tibbits-Nutt said.
The release stated the funds will facilitate longstanding and new projects pertaining to bridge repairs and reconstruction; roadway, bike path, sidewalk, and curbing construction; accessibility improvements; milling and paving; and lighting and traffic signal improvements.
Healey signed the bill alongside Tibbits-Nutt, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz, and Melrose Mayor Jennifer Grigoraitis in Melrose.
Additionally, Lynnfield received $41,236, Marblehead received $447,867, Nahant received $88,312, Peabody received $1,229,337, Saugus received $636,530, and Swampscott received $295,774 through the legislation.
