Most communities will see their funding rise by 29 percent.
The state legislature approved $200 million for cities and towns in so-called Chapter 90 funds, giving a boost to the economy and signaling the start of a busy construction season on the roads.BOSTON – Cities and towns across the state can bank on an uptick in the state aid they use to repair streets and bridges.
State legislators this week approved $200 million for cities and towns in so-called Chapter 90 funds, giving a boost to the economy and signaling the start of a busy construction season on the road. It is $45 million more than funding provided for this fiscal year.
Most communities will see their funding rise by 29 percent, with Springfield due to receive $3.626 million, Chicopee set to receive $1,218,219 and Westfield $1.225 million.
The state House of Representatives, by a 148-0 vote, and the Senate, by 39-0, approved the funding on Thursday. The funding is for the fiscal year that starts July 1, and needed the signature of Gov. Deval L. Patrick to proceed.
“This funding will go a long way toward addressing needed repairs to our municipal roads and bridges following a particularly harsh winter,” said state Rep. Joseph F. Wagner, D-Chicopee, who co-chairs the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. “This action so early in the construction season will allow communities to hit the ground running in terms of moving forward local projects.”
Chicopee’s funds will increase $268,424 or 28 percent over last year. The apportionment of money to each community is based on a formula that takes into account local road miles, population and employment levels within the municipality.
Agawam will receive $823,716, up 26 percent; Belchertown, $617,680, up 31 percent; East Longmeadow, $590,504, up 33 percent; Easthampton, $494,610, up 31 percent; Granby, $281,703, up 30 percent; Greenfield, $651,739, up 28 percent; Holyoke, $1.072 million, up 29 percent; Longmeadow, $485,949, up 28 percent; Ludlow, $708,247, up 28 percent; Northampton, $1.026 million, up 28 percent; Palmer, $493,612, up 27 percent; and West Springfield, $876,226, up 28 percent.
Under the law, funds must be allocated to roadway improvements, including resurfacing, crack sealing and drainage enhancement, according to Wagner. The money may also be put towards projects like bikeways, salt sheds and garages for storage of road building equipment.
“This bill is imperative to maintaining roadways within our local communities,” said Sen. Stephen M. Brewer, D-Barre, chairman of the Senate Committee on Ways & Means. “We are coming off one of the most difficult winters we have had in years and this bill will help municipalities to make the repairs to some of the roads that have been affected. I am thrilled with this much needed increase above last year’s authorization.”