Op-Ed: In times of federal unpredictability, Chapter 90 Bill offers stability for needed local transportation infrastructure

Submitted Press Release
Published on September 15, 2025 by WestfordCAT

The summer months remind us just how much our daily lives depend on safe, reliable infrastructure. Families drive to the beach, neighbors gather for local parades, and workers commute across the Commonwealth, all while relying on the roads and bridges that
connect us.

Maintaining that critical network is one of the most important responsibilities I hold as the Chairman of the Transportation Committee, as it ensures that every community has the foundation it needs to thrive.

That is why I am proud to have worked alongside my colleagues to pass a historic transportation funding bill, known as the “Chapter 90 Bill”, which promotes both regional equity and local needs across our Commonwealth.

Recently, the Legislature increased appropriations to the Commonwealth Transportation Fund to $550 million, expanding its borrowing capacity to $3.47 billion over the next several years. This increase was made possible by the leap of faith voters took in approving the Fair Share
Amendment, or “millionaire’s tax.” By supporting this measure, voters entrusted the Commonwealth with new resources, and as a direct result, we were able to increase our bonding capacity and unlock $2 billion in additional funding for transportation improvements across
Massachusetts.

This legislation proposes $1.2 billion in bonding for the Chapter 90 program and several other key transportation initiatives, made possible by the increased appropriations to the borrowing capacity of the Commonwealth Transportation Fund.

As a direct result of that investment, we are now able to provide cities and towns across Massachusetts with greater stability, even in the face of federal funding uncertainty.

H.4307 authorizes $300 million for the Chapter 90 program in the coming year, a 50 percent increase over past funding levels.

Of that funding, $200 million will be distributed based on the standard Chapter 90 formula of road mileage, population, and employment, while $100 million will be allocated by road mileage alone to provide much-needed support for rural communities.

In addition, the bill invests $885 million into three important programs that will help Massachusetts meet its long-term transportation goals.

First, $500 million will support the Lifecycle Asset Management Program, which focuses on repairing non-federally aided roads and the pavements and bridges that are in the poorest condition.

Another $200 million will fund the repair and replacement of local culverts and small bridges under 20 feet that are in a state of disrepair or require replacement.

This is vital infrastructure that, if neglected, can leave entire neighborhoods cut off during severe weather. By investing in these structures, we are not only improving stormwater management and river flow but also preparing our communities for the realities of climate change and increasingly frequent high-impact storms.

Finally, $185 million will be directed to capital projects that reduce congestion hotspots and improve everyday travel. These projects will include everything from shared-use paths and intersection upgrades to sidewalks and railroad crossings.

This bill is fiscally responsible, forward-looking, and deeply rooted in the values of equity and local empowerment. It builds upon the Legislature’s commitment to expanding our transportation capacity; while providing cities and towns with the tools they need to repair, maintain, and
modernize the infrastructure we all rely on.

Every citizen deserves the peace of mind that comes from knowing their roads and bridges are safe and reliable.

With the passage of this legislation, Massachusetts has taken a historic step toward ensuring that our communities are better connected, better protected, and better prepared for generations to come.