More State Funding for KP Region, Not Enough Says Local Officials

Governor Deval Patrick and his administration announced on Tuesday they would be adding $50 million to Chapter 90 for infrastructure reimbursement to Massachusetts cities and towns, making the total state contribution $200 million.

The problem according to local officials, is that is still $100 million shy of what was allotted by the state legislature.

Chapter 90 is a 100-percent reimbursable program, instituted in the early 1970’s, that provides funding to municipalities for maintaining, repairing, improving and constructing town and county ways and bridges.

In the King Philip region, it does mean more funds in 2014 for road construction, repair and maintenance, which Wrentham, Norfolk and Plainville all need for their combined 179.79 miles of roads.

Wrentham has been allotted $423,759 in funds for this year, but town administrator William Ketcham said under the budget released by the legislature would have made that number much higher.

“The governor’s original promise to Wrentham in Chapter 90 funding would have been about $600,000,” he said. “That would have been about $200,000 more than last year’s fiscal year. “

The cuts came earlier this year when Patrick slashed the appropriations in half of what was originally approved by the legislature reportedly because of cuts to his transportation bill.

“The Massachusetts Municipal Association is continuing to lobby as are many of the towns and cities are to get a full release of what was originally promised,” Ketcham said.

Plainville was originally appropriated about $424,000 for their roads and construction, and with the additional $50 million in the state budget now will see $272,959 in Chapter 90 funding.

“I hope no one is shocked by this,” said Plainville town administrator Joseph Fernandes. “Whether it’s local aid or certain other things, people always use leverage like this to advance another agenda, which I think is shameful. If the state has issues funding other programs let them deal with those issues. The legislature has appropriated it.”

Fernandes said he feels the issue is more about state politics than getting infrastructure work funded.

“It’s holding cities and towns hostage, and it’s, well I’ll let people judge what it is,” he said.

Norfolk’s increase saw $389,861 for Chapter 90 funding.