Governor Releases $50M in Chapter 90 Road Funds
 The governor released another $50 million in road funding on Tuesday. |
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The governor on Tuesday released $50 million in Chapter 90 funds held back during the transportation battle with the Legislature.
In total, Berkshire County will receive about $7.97 million in road funds, slightly below fiscal 2013's $8 million.
Lawmakers had passed a $300 million authorization, signed by Gov. Deval Patrick, but his administration and the Legislature found themselves at odds on the funding mechanisms to support that spending and more in his "Way Forward Plan."
The Legislature overrode his veto.
Some $150 million was released earlier this year, leaving towns and cities with not only less than they'd been promised but 25 percent lower than last year. The release of the $50 million brings most municipalities up to level funding but comes more than halfway through the road repair season.
In letters this week to all 351 cities and towns, MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey detailed the additional allotments for each community. He also warns towns they are unlikely to receive any more.
"However, the transportation finance bill does not provide sufficient revenues to fund the $300 million dollar allotment as proposed in the Way Forward Plan without cutting or deferring capital spending in other high priority areas such as bridge and highway reconstruction, road paving and improvements to statewide bus and rail services," states Davey's letter.
The totals for this year and last year for each town is below.
Tags: Chapter 90, roadwork, transportation,
