BOSTON — The City of Peabody is slated to receive $1,227,164 in state funding for roads under the terms of a bill passed by the Massachusetts Senate last Thursday.
The bill provides for $350 million in bond authorizations for transportation needs across the state, including $200 million for the state’s Chapter 90 program. This program provides municipalities with a reliable funding source for transportation-related improvements, including road and bridge repairs.
Many voiced their support for the program Thursday.
“Chapter 90 funds make up a significant portion of our roads maintenance budget and enable us to pave several streets each year,” said Peabody Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt Jr.
Sen. Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem) said she was “Proud to join [her] Massachusetts Senate colleagues to unanimously pass a Chapter 90 bill to support local infrastructure projects across the Commonwealth.”
“Our transportation system is the backbone of our Commonwealth, connecting us to our jobs, families, and communities,” said Sen. Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn), chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation. “This investment is not just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in the future of our Commonwealth, enabling our cities and towns to make the necessary improvements to promote efficient and safe travel for all.”
Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) said the legislation will maintain and improve the state’s infrastructure and ensure that “residents have safe and reliable transportation options and support sustainable, regionally equitable economic development in communities across the Commonwealth,” said Spilka. “I’d like to thank Sen. Crighton for his work in crafting this legislation, Sen. Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester) for his help in advancing it, and all of my Senate colleagues for working collaboratively to ensure the transportation needs of our cities and towns are addressed in a regionally equitable manner.”
Bettencourt said he is grateful to Lovely and Peabody’s state representatives, Rep. Thomas Walsh (D-Peabody) and Rep. Sally Kerans (D-Danvers) “for their continued advocacy at the state level.” He is also thankful for Crighton’s efforts.
Other communities within the Second Essex District receiving grants include Beverly ($1,046,538), Danvers ($877,025), and Salem ($833,973).
The legislation also authorizes $150 million in programs to assist municipalities with several transportation-related projects. This includes $25 million for the following: the municipal small bridge program; the complete streets program; a bus transit infrastructure program; grants to increase access to mass transit and commuter rail stations; grants for municipalities and regional transit authorities to purchase electric vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support them; and new funding dedicated to additional transportation support based on road mileage.
As a different version of the bill had previously been passed in the House of Representatives, the two chambers will now reconcile differences before sending the bill to Gov. Maura Healey.
