Massachusetts House Passes Bill Authorizing Expanded Chapter 90 Funding
Press Release from the Office of State Representative James Arciero
Published on April 15, 2026
BOSTON – On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, State Representative and House Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation James Arciero joined colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing legislation authorizing $4.58 billion in bonding for an expanded Chapter 90 Program and key transportation initiatives. The legislation aims to address regional needs and strengthen infrastructure against the impacts of climate change across the Commonwealth.
“Continuing the needed support for the Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure and programs, this legislation reauthorizes over $3 billion in programs from the 2022 Transportation Bond Bill, and it mirrors the success of last year’s Chapter 90 increase for road mileage to grow regional equity. Thank you to House Speaker Ron Mariano and Chairman Aaron Michlewitz for their leadership as we navigate the Commonwealth’s fiscal responsibilities with the lack of a federal partner. The House continues to proceed with caution while balancing the significant transportation needs of our cities and towns,” said Representative James Arciero
The Chapter 90 Program provides municipalities with critical funding for transportation-related improvements, including road and bridge repairs. This legislation includes a one-year authorization of $300 million for the program, with $200 million distributed to municipalities through the traditional Chapter 90 formula and an additional $100 million allocated based solely on road mileage to promote greater regional equity.
In addition to Chapter 90 funding, the bill authorizes $1.1 billion for transportation-related programs aimed at improving infrastructure and supporting the Commonwealth’s long-term goals. This includes $500 million for the Lifecycle Asset Management Program (LAMP), which targets roads and bridges in the worst condition, as well as $200 million for capital projects that support housing development through improvements such as stormwater management, culverts, and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. The legislation also provides $200 million for a new accelerated deferred maintenance and modernization program for infrastructure under the care of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), along with $200 million for the MBTA to procure electrically powered locomotives.
The bill further reauthorizes $3.18 billion in funding from the 2022 Transportation Bond Bill for several widely used and successful programs. This includes $2.3 billion for projects on interstates and other federally aided highways, $800 million for improvements to non-federally aided roads and bridges, $65 million for the Municipal Pavement Program, and $12 million for the Shared Streets Program.
Together, these investments will help cities and towns maintain and modernize their infrastructure, improve transportation access, and better prepare for the impacts of climate change. The legislation reflects an ongoing commitment to supporting municipalities while ensuring the Commonwealth’s transportation system remains safe, reliable, and equitable.
Having passed the House of Representatives, the bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.