April 3, 2009

Rep. Bradley and other legislators announce highway funding for local towns

(Boston) -- Representative Garrett Bradley, along with other local legislators, announced that several area towns will receive funding through the Massachusetts Highway Department to repair and maintain local public roads in the coming year.

The Town of Cohasset will receive $160,459.00 in Chapter 90 in the Fiscal Year 2010 Apportionment, while Hingham will receive $547,642.00, Hull will receive $218,452.00 and Scituate will receive $423,149.00 in Chapter 90 funds.

“I am glad that the governor has kept this year's chapter 90 program level funded. These funds are critical for local road projects and they will provide a level of economic stimulus that is essential to our ability to sustain growth in our communities," Rep. Bradley said.

Rep. James Cantwell, D-Marshfield, said that while the state continues its push to implement responsible reforms to the transportation system, it is important to simultaneously provide needed funding to towns for ongoing needs.

“I’m pleased the Transportation Secretary is continuing to provide funding for roads and bridges,” Cantwell said.  “Especially in these economic times, it is critical to keep these efforts going to get projects moving along and to keep people working.”

Chapter 90 funds can be used by cities and towns for local road and bridge projects for reconstruction, resurfacing, equipment, design and engineering.

“It is particularly important that after such a harsh winter we provide as much Chapter 90 money to our cities and towns as possible,” Sen. Hedlund said.

The Chapter 90 formula is based on road miles, population and employees.  The formula was developed by the Legislative Road Caucus of the Transportation Committee.  The factors used in the formula are 58.33% road miles, 20.83% population and 20.83% employment.  The state adds the total number of public ways in a town to determine how many “road miles” are to be included in the formula.