State Representative Lipper-Garabedian Joins the Massachusetts House to Pass Bill Authorizing Chapter 90 Funding
Bill makes investments in roads, bridges, and public transportation
BOSTON – Wednesday, April 15, 2026 – State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian (D-Melrose) joined the Massachusetts House of Representatives today to pass a bill that authorizes $4.58 billion in bonding for an expanded Chapter 90 Program and transportation programs to address regional needs, as well as the impacts of climate change on local infrastructure. Pursuant to the Chapter 90 funding formula, which is derived based largely on local road mileage and municipal population, the City of Malden would receive $1,240,625.08, the Town of Wakefield would receive $935,180.39, and the City of Melrose would receive $764,138.08 for capital improvements along local public ways.
The Chapter 90 Program provides municipalities with a funding source for transportation-related improvements, including road and bridge repairs. Similar to last year, the bill includes a one-year authorization of $300 million for the Chapter 90 Program, a 50% increase since FY25, using revenue from the Fair Share Amendment. Within the $4.58 billion is the reauthorization of $3.18 billion in funding for several popular and well utilized programs included in the 2022 transportation bond bill, including the Municipal Pavement Program and Shared Streets. The bill also includes $1.1 billion in funding for several important programs to better prepare the Commonwealth to achieve its long-term transportation goals.
"This bill will provide critical funding to the municipalities in the 32nd Middlesex for infrastructure upgrades and projects," said State Representative Lipper-Garabedian (D-Melrose). "I am pleased that the three municipalities in the 32nd Middlesex District would receive more than $2,939,000 in direct funding to support their infrastructure priorities. The expanded Chapter 90 program also will bolster transportation systems, including the MBTA, improve local roadway safety, support sustainability and climate-conscious efforts, and enhance daily life in the 32nd Middlesex District.”
“Providing funding for critical infrastructure projects through investments in the Commonwealth’s public transportation, roads, and bridges is one of the most important responsibilities that we have as members of the Legislature,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m proud of the support for local infrastructure repairs that this legislation provides, and of the funding included for the MBTA. I want to thank Chairman Arciero, Chairman Finn, and all my colleagues in the House for supporting this vital legislation.”
The legislation authorizes $300 million in bonding for the Chapter 90 Program and additional programs. The one-year authorization in Chapter 90 Program funding includes:
$200 million will be distributed to all municipalities based on the standard Chapter 90 Program distribution formula.
$100 million will be distributed to all municipalities based solely on road mileage.
Additional programs to support various transportation-related projects, totaling $1.1 billion include:
$500 million for the Lifecycle Asset Management Program (LAMP) which aids non-federally funded roads and targets the pavement and bridges that are in the worst condition in the Commonwealth.
$200 for capital projects to support housing development, including stormwater management, culverts, and bike and pedestrian improvements.
$200 million for a new accelerated deferred maintenance and modernization program for infrastructure under the care and control of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
$200 million for the MBTA for the procurement of electrically powered locomotives.
The legislation also reauthorizes $3.18 billion in funding for several programs included in the 2022 Transportation Bond Bill such as:
2.3 billion for projects on interstates and other federally aided highways.
$800 million for improvements to non-federally aided roadways and bridges.
$65 million for the Municipal Pavement Program for engineering, permitting, design, and climate change adaptation on municipal ways.
$12 million for grants for the Shared Streets Program for improvements and projects to municipal streets to create additional capacity for pedestrians and cyclists.
Having passed the House of Representatives 155-0, the bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
###