Franklin Matters: "The MMA has long advocated for an increase in Chapter 90 funding"

Sunday, June 14, 2020

"The MMA has long advocated for an increase in Chapter 90 funding"

While Chapter 70 is State funding for schools, Chapter 90 is State funding for roads. Franklin depends heavily upon both sources. So this from the MA Municipal Association (MMA) is an important bit of news:

"The Senate yesterday passed a bill that would allocate $300 million to the Chapter 90 local road and bridge program, a 50% increase over what has been available to cities and towns in recent years.

The vote took place in the Senate’s first formal session since its members agreed earlier this week to new rules for remote debate and roll call voting.

The House and Senate are now both on record in support of the $300 million funding level for the reimbursement program – a top MMA priority.

The House had increased funding for Chapter 90 in the $18 billion transportation bond bill it passed in early March, before the COVID-19 state of emergency. Following a months-long interruption in legislative business, the Senate chose to pass a separate Chapter 90 bill for fiscal 2021 in order to avoid further delays in getting notifications to cities and towns so they can plan projects.

The House and Senate must now work out their differences before passing a bill that includes Chapter 90 funding."