Gov. Baker’s $5B bond bill includes funding for some municipal programs

On Jan. 14, Gov. Charlie Baker filed a $4.99 billion general government bond bill that includes major investments in state infrastructure and workforce development programs, as well as several large investments of interest to municipalities.

Here are some key items in the bill (H. 4336):
• $100 million for municipal grants to support a range of local infrastructure improvements and projects
• $64 million to support the Massachusetts State Revolving Fund — specifically for the state’s matching funds required to secure federal dollars for the fund, which helps cities and towns improve water supply infrastructure and drinking water safety
• $60 million for the Housing Stabilization Fund, which provides funding for municipalities, nonprofits, for-profit developers and local housing authorities in support of affordable rental housing production and rehabilitation
• $50 million for the Cultural Facilities Fund to provide grants for planning, acquisition, rehabilitation and construction of cultural facilities administered through Massachusetts Cultural Council and MassDevelopment
• $30 million for the Community Compact IT competitive grant program for innovative technology initiatives at the local level
• $25 million for Housing Choice grants to municipalities that receive a Housing Choice designation through high housing production and/or demonstration of best practices

The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets.