State Infrastructure Bill Includes $4 Million For Essex 2nd

SALEM, MA — The state infrastructure bill that passed the Senate on Thursday includes nearly $4 million in appropriations for Beverly, Danvers, Peabody and Salem combined.

State Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) touted the benefits of the bill for the 2nd Essex District that include about $1.2 million in Chapter 90 funds for Peabody, $1 million for Beverly, $900K for Danvers and $800K for Salem projects.

"Chapter 90 funds ensure that our communities have the means to keep our local roads maintained and safe," said Lovely said in a statement to Patch. "I was honored to join my colleagues in unanimously passing this legislation.

"It is imperative that we continue to invest in and support local road projects enhancing transportation systems and infrastructure across our Commonwealth."

The bill must now pass the House of Representatives and go to Gov. Charlie Baker for his signature. Any differences between the House and Senate versions will be worked out in a joint committee.

The Senate bill includes $300 for municipal transportation projects and statewide infrastructure.

It includes $200 for municipal roads and bridges through the Chapter 90 program and $100 million to support statewide projects addressing congestion, electric vehicle infrastructure and improve public transit.

Also included is $25 million to preserve or replace structurally deficient local bridges for communities not eligible for federal aid programs, $25 million to address local traffic bottlenecks and reduce congestion and idling time, $25 million for electric vehicle charging ports and the purchase of municipal electric vehicles and $25 million to support dedicated bus lanes, enhanced bus stops and increase public transportation.

Did you find this article useful? Invite a friend to subscribe to Patch.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)