House committee adds Ch. 90 to transportation bond bill

The House Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets has favorably reported a multi-year state transportation bond bill that includes $300 million for the Chapter 90 local roads program for fiscal 2015.

Chapter 90 was not included in the bill when it was released by the Joint Transportation Committee in November, but the Bonding Committee amended the legislation (H. 3763).

“The committee added $300 million for Chapter 90 to the transportation bond bill so that these vital funds will be available for this year’s construction season,” said Rep. Antonio Cabral of New Bedford, chair of the House Bonding Committee. “Chapter 90 is the primary source of funding for cities and towns to make crucial road repairs, so I’m very pleased to advance a bill that included this funding.”
 
The MMA has been calling for an amendment to include bond authorization for a five-year Chapter 90 program providing $300 million per year, indexed for inflation. The MMA is urging the Legislature to take early action on Chapter 90 for fiscal 2015 and beyond in order to give local officials the ability to plan ahead, take advantage of the full construction season, and use the funding efficiently.

The release of Chapter 90 funds has been delayed well past the statutory deadline of April 1 for the past three years. In 2013, final Chapter 90 allocation letters were delayed until July 30 due to debate over a transportation finance bill.

The MMA is continuing to push for a multi-year Chapter 90 program, a top local government priority.

The bill now goes to House Committee on Ways and Means and then on to the full House before going to the Senate.