House OKs Chapter 90 Funds for Local Road Projects

Note: The following is a press release from the office of House Minority Leader Bradley Jones:

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. and Representative Donald H. Wong recently announced that the Town of Lynnfield has moved one step closer to being awarded money through the state’s Chapter 90 state transportation funding.  Lynnfield will be receiving approximately $416,344 to be used for local road projects for the 2012 Fiscal Year.

The money allocated to the Town of Lynnfield is expected to create construction jobs, improve transportation and public safety all while encouraging long-term economic development across the Commonwealth.

“There is no doubt the Town of Lynnfield will put this funding to good use,” said Representative Brad Jones.  “In a time where local aid is being cut, every little bit helps and this money will go a long way in helping to repair roads and bridges in need, especially after such a harsh winter season.”

“In a time where state funding is hard to come by, I am confident that the town of Lynnfield will put this money to good use,” said Representative Wong.  “The states continued support of Chapter 90 funding to local municipalities has enabled towns like Lynnfield the opportunity to make necessary repairs to its roadways and bridges.”

The Chapter 90 funds, provided to rebuild and repair local roads and bridges, came from a pool of $200 million to be used over the course of Fiscal Year 2012. This single year sum is an increase of $45 million from the previous three years.

Created by the Legislature in 1973, the Chapter 90 program provides reimbursement to municipalities for road and bridge expenditures through the issuance of bonds.  Funds may also be used for engineering services related to highway transportation enhancement, as well as the purchase of road building machinery and equipment.

Funding for Chapter 90 is allocated using a longstanding formula based upon community road miles, population numbers which will be updated to reflect the 2010 Census and employment.