The proposed bill would authorize $200 million, per year, for a period of two years. While Mayor Sarno supports the two-year authorization in Governor Healey’s bill, he is respectfully requesting the Joint Committee on Transportation and our local state delegation in the House and Senate to increase this amount to at least $330 million per year, indexed to grow with inflation.
Mayor Sarno states, “Municipalities like Springfield have seen an increase in the cost of road projects due to inflation and an increase in the cost of goods and materials. In order to properly maintain and enhance our extensive roadways across the Commonwealth, it is vital that local municipalities receive the necessary funding from Chapter 90. Safe and reliable roads, bridges, sidewalks and bike lanes are essential to providing our residents and businesses with a good quality of life, and are vital for public safety aspects. In addition, these fundamental infrastructure projects play an important and key role with local economic development projects too.”
“While I appreciate Governor Healey’s budgetary increase in the state’s allocation to Chapter 70 for our schools (10% increase), her commitment to help address the issue of housing in the Commonwealth, and proposing Chapter 90 funding for a period of two years. I am hopeful that the State Legislature can take a closer look at the funding amount for Chapter 90, along with an increase to the states Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) for municipalities when they take up the FY24 state budget,” said Mayor Sarno.
The Joint Committee on Transportation is holding a public hearing on Chapter 90 today, Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the State House.
CLICK HERE to view Mayor Sarno's testimony letter to the Joint Committee on Transportation.