Additional Ch. 90 road funds still short of target

Last night, Gov. Deval Patrick authorized the release of an additional $50 million in local funding for road and bridge repairs, bringing the Chapter 90 total for fiscal 2014 to $200 million. But the authorization is still $100 million short of the $300 million included in a Chapter 90 bond bill that was unanimously passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor in May.

While cities and towns had been looking forward to receiving the $300 million – a 50 percent increase in the program over last year – they are currently level-funded.

The governor said his administration is still reviewing multiple transportation priorities before making further decisions about funding levels.

The MMA sent a letter to the governor today asking him to immediately release the full $300 million.

In a statement, the MMA said: “The Legislature voted unanimously to fund the Chapter 90 local roads program at $300 million, reflecting the great importance that Chapter 90 commands in maintaining and rebuilding our vital transportation infrastructure, and the recently enacted tax package fully funds this commitment. Communities should receive all of their $300 million, so that the work of rebuilding and restoring our local roads, bridges and infrastructure can begin now, and make full use of the remainder of the 2013 construction season.”

House and Senate leaders argue that the $300 million is affordable under the transportation revenue package they approved over the governor’s veto.

Earlier this summer, the administration released $150 million for the Chapter 90 program, pending the outcome of the transportation financing legislation.

• MMA letter to governor urging release of full amount of Ch. 90 funds

• MMA statement calling on governor to release full $300 million of Ch. 90 funds