Local Pols Support State Aid Increase for Local Roads, Bridges

State Senator Patricia Jehlen, Representative Paul Donato, Representative Carl Sciortino and Representative Sean Garballey joined their colleagues in voting to support a significant increase in state funds for municipal governments to address road and bridge maintenance. This measure will increase state bond funds to address local transportation needs by 50% over last year’s total.

“The Chapter 90 program plays a crucial role in funding sorely needed local road and bridge repairs in our cities and towns,” said Senator Pat Jehlen.

Medford will receive $1,429,385 to address bridge and road maintenance. The amount of funding each municipality receives is determined by the miles of roadway within that community.

“The Chapter 90 funding is essential for the infrastructure of our district, helping to advance and sustain the safety and overall conditions of our roads,” said Representative Paul Donato.

“This is a critical investment of aid to our communities, providing significant financial support they need to keep our neighborhood streets and bridges in sound repair,” said Representative Carl Sciortino.

“The increase in Chapter 90 funding is a critical investment for the City of Medford in order for us to maintain and improve our roads and bridges,” said Representative Sean Garballey.

The Chapter 90 bond bill, which has now been approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, authorizes the Governor to approve $300 million in state reimbursements of local spending on road and bridge repair, represents a significant increase over the $200 million spent in fiscal year 2013.

– Submitted by the office of State Senator Patricia Jehlen