BOSTON – Today State Senator Don Humason joined a unanimous Senate in approving a $200 million road repair bill, which will direct funds to cities and towns across the Commonwealth through the state’s Chapter 90 program.
Locally, the bill will deliver $6.2 million to the eleven cities and towns that make up the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District once it is approved by the Governor.
“With the good weather we’ve all been waiting for also come the realities of the wear and tear that winter weather takes on our roads,” said Senator Don Humason. “This annual funding is essential for municipalities when it comes to repairing weather-worn roads and aging bridges. I was happy to approve the bill, so the Governor can act quickly to get the money to our cities and towns.”
The communities in the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District will be receiving the following allotments from the bill:
Agawam – $809,444
Chicopee – $1,322,033
Easthampton – $481,472
Granville – $264,645
Holyoke – 1,048,173
Montgomery – $125,610
Russell – $100,904
Southampton – $317,141
Southwick – $365,817
Tolland – $158,330
Westfield – $1,224,928
The annual authorization of funds for the Chapter 90 program provides reimbursements to cities and towns for costs associated with local road and bridge projects. This year’s proposal also includes $30 million for investments in Regional Transit Authorities and allows borrowing $60 million for technology upgrades at the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Senator Humason served on the six-member Conference Committee that was tasked with negotiating compromise legislation between the House and Senate versions of the bill. The Senator serves as the ranking Senate Republican on both the Joint Committee on Transportation and the Senate Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures, and State Assets.
The bill now goes before the Governor for his approval.
