BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker has signed H.69, An act financing improvements to municipal roads and bridges, which authorizes $200 million in Chapter 90 transportation funds to support all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts.
About $7,820,310 of that will be heading to the Berkshires with the largest amount — $1.4 million — going to Pittsfield and its nearly 200 miles of roads. The second largest amount of $435,324 goes to the county's other city, North Adams, which has just over 70 miles of road. Berkshire County total has about 1,598.63 miles of locally governed roads.
Boston, not surprisingly, gets the highest amount at $14.7 million for 790 miles of road.
Apportionment is based on road miles, population based on the latest U.S. Census and employment. The program is partially funded through the gas tax.
Since taking office in 2015, and including the FY20 signed bill, the Baker-Polito administration has awarded a total of $1.14 billion through the Chapter 90 formula, including $100 million on its first day in office.
"Chapter 90 funding provides cities and towns with critical resources to carry out important projects like highway construction and road paving to improve local infrastructure in communities across Massachusetts," Baker said in a statement. "We thank the Legislature for working with our administration to pass this bill and continue our support for local officials this construction season."
Other than the extra $100 million four years ago, the amount of funding has been generally flat over the past seven years while costs have increased. Reconstructing one mile of road now hovers around $1 million and many smaller towns save up their Chapter 90 funds until they can be used more efficiently in terms of road repair or equipment.
The Massachusetts Municipal Association has been advocating for an increase in the program, estimating it would take nearly $700 million a year to properly maintain the state's 30,000 miles of local roads.
Chapter 90 reimburses cities and towns for costs incurred for eligible transportation projects. Cities and towns must submit receipts to the state Department of Transportation's Highway Division district in which they are located which verifies that the expenditures qualify for reimbursement under Chapter 90. The Highway Districts in turn submit these receipts to the Department of Transportation's Fiscal Department, which facilitates the reimbursements to cities and towns.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Cyclists Pedal Into Berkshire Bike Month
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan addresses bikers at the event.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Clad in helmets and bright colors, more than 20 people gathered in Park Square to kick on Berkshire Bike Month on Wednesday.
The month of May will be stacked with bicycle-centered events throughout the county — beginning with an eight-mile loop from the city's center that ends at Hot Plate Brewing Co.
"We have we have a lot of things going on in Pittsfield for bicycles and for safety," Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales said.
"We're not anywhere near where we should be. We have a lot of work to do."
Bike month is meant to promote the safe use of streets for anyone and everyone no matter how they are traveling, he said The commissioner is especially excited about Bike to Work Day on May 17, as he can register to be recognized for his typical commute.
He presented a proclamation to President of the Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan. It states that the city is committed to the health of its citizens and environment, safe cycling with road bike lanes and the extension of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, and that the Police Department encourages safe cycling by distributing lights and helmets and accompanies the city's Ride Your Bike to School event.
BBPC is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Cohan said the quarter century has been full of commitment to bike paths and bike safety throughout Berkshire County "on roads, on trails, on tracks, and on paths."
"In expanding our mission in this way we have been able to encompass all kinds of cycles and all kinds of riders," she said.
She noted that participants range from babies to 90-year-old people. Bike month includes events for all ages.
Voters at the annual town meeting on Monday, May 6, will decide 22 articles, including articles on sidewalks and the authorization of a number of spending articles, including an approximate $22 million budget. click for more
Ken Sagendorph, a former firefighter and emergency technician, says his goal is to improve communication between the Fire District, residents, town, and department if elected to the Board of Water Commissioners. click for more
Adoptable pups Beethoven and Starr took a stroll down North Street on Tuesday with hopes of finding forever homes on National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day. click for more