BOSTON (AP) — The state is making $30 million available to cities and towns to help fill potholes and make other repairs to roads and bridges after a brutal winter.
Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration announced what it dubbed the Winter Recovery Assistance Program on Thursday. The $30 million will come from the sale of bonds authorized for the state Department of Transportation.
The funds will be distributed under a formula that takes into account geographical size and population. Boston will receive nearly $2.2 million, by far the largest share of any community. Worcester’s share will be about $616,000 and Springfield will get $546,000 under the formula.
Boston and much of the state recorded record snowfall over the winter, which combined with frigid temperatures has left local roads dotted with potholes.
“Since day one, we promised to partner with our cities and towns to provide them with the support needed to keep local infrastructure in reliable shape,” said Baker. “After an unprecedented winter of heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures, this additional support will allow municipalities to patch up potholes and address local repairs as needed.”
“This winter’s record-setting snowfall has left our cities and towns with a major maintenance deficit that needs to be addressed immediately,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “This program provides municipalities with additional resources to accelerate those repairs and make our roadways safer for everyone.”
“While we strive to invest in the maintenance of the state’s highway infrastructure, it’s important to remember how vital a role our municipal roads and bridges play in the state’s economy and to our overall transportation network,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack.
“We are appreciative here in Westfield of Governor Baker’s continued commitment to municipalities,” said Westfield Mayor Daniel M. Knapik. “We are in a difficult budget situation at the state level and yet he has identified revenue to be provided to us for much-needed relief. It will be put to good use in Westfield.”
While the WRAP is a distinct effort separate from the Chapter 90 program, to ensure equity, the funds will be distributed to cities and towns based on the Chapter 90 formula.
The Chapter 90 formula determines the apportionment of funding for municipal roads and bridges based on a weighted average of a city or town’s population, employment, and total mileage of roads. The WARP apportionment list details how the $30 million are apportioned to each city or town using the formula.
Under the WRAP, cities and towns can seek reimbursement from MassDOT on expenditures related to patching potholes, pavement cracking, surface defects, paving projects; repair or replacement of damaged signs, guardrail, storm drains, and line striping.
“This program is a signal to cities and towns that we recognize the importance of these roads and bridges, and the urgency with which they need to be repaired,” said MassDOT Highway Administrator Thomas J. Tinlin.
In order to accelerate local repairs, the WRAP requires all work on municipal infrastructure to be completed by June 30, 2015, and for all work invoices to be provided to MassDOT by July 31, 2015. MassDOT will reimburse cities and towns as invoices are received.
