Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 3/13/2023
SPRINGFIELD — A bill recently filed by Gov. Maura Healey regarding Chapter 90 funding is set to allocate $400 million across the state’s 351 municipalities for roadway improvements. However, Mayor Domenic Sarno and other leaders believe the funding allotment is not sufficient.
Sarno submitted written testimony to the Joint Committee on Transportation, which met on March 7 to discuss the bill. The mayor is in support of a two-year funding plan for Chapter 90 funding, but expressed concern with the level of funding being made to municipalities.
As proposed, the bill would dispense $200 million each year across the state. Sarno and the Massachusetts Municipal Association believe that figure should be increased to $330 million per year, making for a new two-year total of $660 million for the bill.
In his written testimony, Sarno highlighted rising inflation rates that continue to impact the cost of materials.
“Municipalities like Springfield have seen an increase in the cost of road projects due to inflation and an increase in the cost of goods and materials. In order to properly maintain and enhance our extensive roadways across the commonwealth, it is vital that local municipalities receive the necessary funding from Chapter 90,” said Sarno.
Sarno highlighted the importance of roadway projects to Springfield. The mayor expressed his beliefs that infrastructure enhancements help improve quality of life, public safety and local economic development.
“Safe and reliable roads, bridges, sidewalks and bike lanes are essential to providing our residents and businesses with a good quality of life, and are vital for public safety aspects. In addition, these fundamental infrastructure projects play an important and key role with local economic development projects too,” said Sarno.
In February, Springfield received $15 million as part of a federal grant from the Federal Highway Administration of the United States Department of Transportation that will improve 15 intersections and 10 corridors. Springfield and Boston were the only two Massachusetts municipalities to receive funding from the federal department’s grant awards.
Sarno commended the Healey administration on several of their accomplishments to date. He expressed appreciation for the 10 percent budgetary increase she shepherded for Chapter 70 school funding, as well as her commitment to increase housing across the state. Still, he hopes Chapter 90 receives more financial support.
“I am hopeful that the state legislature can take a closer look at the funding amount for Chapter 90,” said Sarno.
Sarno’s sentiments were supported by other community leaders. During the March 7 public hearing, Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle referenced several potholes on a bridge overlooking Manhan River.
She stressed that projects like this need more resources.
“We are here to ask legislators to amplify the impacts [of Chapter 90 funding],” said LaChapelle.
LaChapelle said Easthampton utilizes its Chapter 90 funding for repairs that are “the biggest threat” to public safety. She hopes that additional funding will address lingering roadway problems and allow for Easthampton’s DPW to be more proactive in addressing infrastructure projects, such as repainting lines and filling potholes.
The full public hearing on Chapter 90 funding can be viewed at https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/4456/Video1.