Massachusetts Legislature Approves Road and Bridge Funding for Cities and Towns
Annual Chapter 90 legislation delivers funding for paving roads, easing traffic, and culvert and bridge improvements
(BOSTON—8/1/2025) Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) announced that the Massachusetts Legislature has approved $1.2 billion in funding to support critical transportation infrastructure improvements across the Commonwealth. The funding, derived from bonding, will expand the Chapter 90 program and help address transportation related improvements, road and bridge repairs, and the impacts of climate change on local infrastructure.
The bill enacted on Aug 1st includes a one-year authorization of $300 million for the Chapter 90 Program, a 50 per cent increase over past funding levels. The bill also appropriates $885 million in additional funding that will help ensure the Commonwealth is able to achieve its long-term transportation goals.
“Fixing the roads, bridges, and even culverts is not just about making sure it's easier for residents to get around, it's also about encouraging more development, safer roadways for pedestrians and bicyclists, and reducing contaminated water runoff into our ponds, streams and rivers,” said Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough). “This funding will give cities and towns across the Commonwealth the resources they need to maintain critical infrastructure and plan for the future. I’m proud to support this annual legislation that provides a direct improvement for my constituents' driving experiences. I’m grateful to Senate President Spilka, Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rodrigues, Chairman Crighton, and Chairman Kennedy for their leadership and collaboration in making this happen.”
“Today the Legislature acted to give our cities and towns the financial tools they need to improve the infrastructure residents use to get to work, school and home every day,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I’m proud that this funding will go to continuing to build 21st century infrastructure in our Commonwealth and make investments in projects that promote public transit and reduce emissions. I’m thankful to Chair Rodrigues, Chair Crighton, and Chair Kennedy for their work, and to Speaker Mariano and our colleagues in the House for their partnership.”
“Providing funding for critical infrastructure projects through investments in the Commonwealth’s public transportation, roads, and bridges is one of the most important responsibilities that we have as members of the Legislature,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m proud of the support for local infrastructure repairs that this legislation provides, and of the funding that it allocates for projects that will address congestion hotspots across the Commonwealth. I want to thank Chairman Arciero, Chairman Finn, and all my colleagues in the House, as well as our partners in the Senate, for supporting this vital legislation.”
The one-year $300 million authorization in the Chapter 90 program funding represents a historic 50 per cent increase and includes:
$200 million to be distributed to all municipalities based on the standard Chapter 90 program distribution formula;
$100 million to be distributed to all municipalities based solely on road mileage.
Funding for three additional critical programs to support various transportation related projects include:
$500 million for the Lifecycle Asset Management Program (LAMP), which supports non-federally aided roads and targets the pavement and bridges that are in the worst condition in the Commonwealth.
$200 million for a culvert and small bridge repair program for municipalities’ local culverts and small bridges under 20 feet that are in a state of disrepair or require replacement.
$185 million for capital projects to reduce congestion hotspots, funding that will be available for projects such as shared use paths, intersection improvements, railroad grade crossings, and sidewalks.
Both chambers of the Legislature having voted to enact the legislation, the bill now goes to the Governor for her signature.
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