Massachusetts approves $300M for municipal transportation projects

Massachusetts

August 20, 2025

Massachusetts has passed a law that will invest $300 million in cities and towns for capital improvements on public roadways statewide. Gov. Maura Healey signed the Chapter 90 Program Bill earlier this month to provide 100% reimbursable grants to municipalities for projects that involve roads, bridges, sidewalks and culverts.

The investment represents a 50% increase over the approximately $200 million in the traditional formula, which is based on mileage, population and employment. The additional $100 million is allocated based solely on road miles, giving rural areas an added boost. According to MassDOT, 75% of the state’s roadways are within municipal areas, including 31% of the state’s bridges. With approximately $1 billion of unfunded projects in these areas, MassDOT maintains the investment will help build resiliency into the transportation system.

The law also provides $500 million for state-owned pavement and bridge upgrades under MassDOT’s Lifecycle Asset Management Program, $200 million for replacing or improving culverts and small bridges, and $185 million to reduce traffic congestion and enhance safety at rail crossings, intersections, school zones, commercial corridors and pedestrian and bike areas.

To receive funding, municipalities must submit a project request detailing the work and costs. Towns and cities must fund the projects up front and then apply for reimbursement once construction is complete and meets agreed specifications.

The Chapter 90 Program is authorized under Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Laws, where the statute granting municipal reimbursement is located. The program’s current iteration was established in 1973 and has operated under that legal framework since.

Photo by Life Of Pix from Pexels

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