BOSTON – Construction projects could soon begin around the state now that the Senate and House have agreed to a final transportation bond bill authorizing $12.7 billion in capital spending over the next five years for improvements to the Commonwealth’s transportation system.
The measure also authorizes $300 million for local road improvement, $100 million more than had previously been put aside by Gov. Deval Patrick’s administration under the state’s Chapter 90 municipal road program. Cities and town officials were hoping to receive funds in time for the spring and summer construction season.
Approval came following an agreement reached by legislative negotiators on a $13 billion bond bill.
Locally, Sen. Don Humason (R-2nd Hampden & Hampshire) and Representative Nicholas Boldyga (R-Southwick) announceed they were able to secure funding in the Transportation Bond Bill for several key infrastructure projects important to Agawam, which would mean a better commute for those traveling to and from Westfield and Southwick.
The first project is the repair and improvement of North Westfield Street from the Westfield town line to Southwick Street in the Town of Agawam in the amount of $500,000.
The second project included in the bill will allow the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to purchase the parcel of land for the proposed phase II of the state highway Route 57 project the Town of Agawam.
“The improvements to Route 187 are much needed after this past winter. The section of North Westfield Street is in a state of disrepair and this bond money is greatly needed,” said Humason. “The inclusion of the Route 57 project in the bond bill is a positive sign for the future of the project that the Patrick administration had recently signaled they were going to give up on.”
Boldyga touted the merits of the projects and teamwork that brought them to fruitiion.
“Senator Humason and I have a great working relationship and have teamed up to support Agawam and Southwick. I’m pleased we were able to secure amendments to the Transportation Bond Bill that will benefit North Westfield Street and Route 57,” he said. “This additional local aid will improve our roads and help keep our property taxes down.”
State Rep. John Velis (D-Westfield) said although there is no money earmarked specifically for Westfield, projects in Agawam and Southampton would improve roads leading into the city.
“I will be steadfast in ensuring some of those funds come to western Mass., specifically roads leading to Westfield,” He said.
Velis plans to make western Massachusetts’ presence known in Boston when decisions about funding projects are being made.
“I will be making sure our voice is heard,” he said.
Westfield City Council members voted recently to support a resolution seeking restoration of state aid to the city, placing a greater burden on property owners to operate the city and maintain its infrastructure.
At-large Council Dan Allie made the motion to send a resolution approved by the entire council to House Speaker Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop) seeking legislative support to restore lottery revenue to its intended purpose and to restore Chapter 90 funding to repair and repave city roads.
“I support the transportation bond bill,” said Allie. “It sends a message to the governor that we want $300 million, not $200 million.”
State Sen. Ben Downing (D-Pittsfield) was also able to secure $6.5 million in the bill for the reconstruction of East River Road in Chester.
Gov. Patrick now has to sign off on the bill.
