State Senator Jason Lewis and State Representatives Paul Donato, Steve Ultrino and Kate Lipper-Garabedian were pleased to announce that Malden is receiving $920,974 in Chapter 90 funds from the state to fund local transportation infrastructure, as part of a $200 million allocation to support transportation-related improvements, including road and bridge repairs, across Massachusetts. Along with designating funding for individual communities, the legislation authorizes $175 million for grant programs that will further assist municipalities with various transportation-related projects. This includes $25 million for each of the following:
- Municipal Pavement Program, which focuses on the improvement of municipally owned state numbered routes
- Municipal Small Bridge Program, which provides financial support to cities and towns for small bridge replacement, preservation and rehabilitation projects
- Complete Streets Funding Program, which provides funding to municipalities for streets that provide safe and accessible options for all travel modes, such as walking, biking, transit and vehicles
- Municipal Bus Enhancement Program, which provides grant funding to build out infrastructure related to mass transit by bus
- Mass Transit Access Grant Program, which provides grants for design and construction improvements to access commuter rail stations or other mass transit stations, such as parking lots, drop-off and pick-up zones, bike storage infrastructure and electric vehicle charging infrastructure
- Municipal/RTA EV Grant Program, which provides grants to Regional Transit Authorities and municipalities for the purchase of electric vehicles and related charging equipment
- Rural Roads Program, which supports the additional road infrastructure needs of rural communities
“I’m very pleased that the state legislature is providing these critical funds to our local communities for transportation improvements,” said Senator Lewis. “I know that this money will certainly be put to good use in Malden improving roads, sidewalks, and other infrastructure.”
“We are grateful to receive funds from Chapter 90, which will be used to address pressing transportation related needs,” said Representative Donato. “This funding emphasizes our commitment to improving public safety and strengthening our local infrastructure. With these funds, we will continue to foster growth for our state and its citizens.”
“Access to safe roads, bridges, and public transit remains a key priority at the State House, and I am excited to see the legislature come together to provide funding to improve our community’s infrastructure,” said Representative Ultrino. “These are all key components to healthy economic development of cities like Malden and this bill ensures our community’s infrastructure and roads are maintained and improved. It was an honor to work alongside the rest of the delegation to secure this funding, and I look forward to seeing the results.”
“I was pleased to join my colleagues in the legislature to support this transportation infrastructure funding bill,” said Representative Lipper-Garabedian. “I am glad to see that Malden will receive more than $900K for local infrastructure. Continued investment in the statewide complete streets, bus enhancement, and mass transit access programs has further potential for the City’s transportation system.”
In April this legislation – An Act financing improvements to municipal roads and bridges – was passed unanimously by both the Senate and House. It was signed into law by Governor Maura Healey on May 3, 2024.