Lynnfield To Receive $408,304 In Chapter 90 Funding

Lynnfield’s State House delegation is supporting a statewide bond authorization that will provide the town with $408,304 to help fund local transportation infrastructure upgrades in Fiscal Year 2021.

House Bill 4803, An Act financing improvements to municipal roads and bridges, was enacted by the House of Representatives on June 30 and by the Senate on July 2. The bill authorizes $200 million in spending under the state’s Chapter 90 program, and is now on Governor Charlie Baker’s desk awaiting his signature.

Established by the Legislature in 1973, the Chapter 90 program provides funding to municipalities on an annual basis to assist with critical transportation infrastructure projects, including road and bridge repairs. The funding is allocated using a formula that is based on the weighted average of a community’s population, employment and total road miles.

“The economic fallout from the COVID-19 global pandemic has created a significant financial strain on municipal budgets across Massachusetts,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). “By authorizing a new round of Chapter 90 funding, the Legislature is fulfilling its ongoing commitment to maintaining strong state-municipal partnerships by providing communities like Lynnfield with the resources needed to carry out important transportation upgrades.”

"Ensuring that this funding is available to cities and towns is key to allowing for the maintenance and upkeep on our roadways to ensure the safety of every community member," said Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn). "Despite significant fiscal setbacks as a result of COVID-19, we remain committed to meeting these financial obligations that communities rely on."

Chapter 90 funding can be used for a variety of purposes, including road resurfacing, sidewalks, street lighting, traffic control measures, and roadside drainage. Municipalities can also use the money for the purchase, replacement and long-term lease of road building machinery, equipment and tools.