Melrose Gets Extra $52K For Road Work

MELROSE, MA — The city's "ambitious FY19-FY20 road program" is getting bolstered by more than $50,000 in additional state funds.

Melrose will receive $52,743 in additional Chapter 90 money, on top of $527,432 that had already been committed for FY20. The city plans on using the Chapter 90 money from Fy19 and FY20, along with more than $2 million in road and restoration bonds, to work on the city's roadways, according to City Engineer Elena Proakis Ellis.

"The program is ongoing into 2020 and perhaps even 2021, and this additional money will help bridge any gaps where we performed more work than anticipated on a particular roadway," she said, citing recent examples such as more sidewalk replacement than initially expected on Ashmont, Florence and Howard streets.

Chapter 90 money is earmarked for road construction and transportation improvements. All Massachusetts cities and towns get different amounts based on a predetermined formula. The state had already announced $200 million in funding, but this month announced the extra $20 million.

Melrose typically uses Chapter 90 funds on things like paving, curbing, sidewalks, line painting, signage and tree planting, Proakis Ellis said.