Governor Healey’s revised Chapter 90 Formula to Benefit Small and Rural Communities

Boston - On April 10, 2025, Governor Maura Healey testified in support of her proposed Chapter 90 bill, which would significantly increase roads and bridges funding for municipalities across the state. Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz, Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver, business leaders, municipal officials, labor leaders and transportation advocates also testified in support of the bill at the Joint Committee on Transportation Hearing.

Earlier this year, Governor Healey filed this historic legislation that proposes to grow the size of the funding pool directed to cities and towns to $300 million per year for five years, the highest amount in the history of funding for local roads and sidewalks. This additional $100 million annual investment represents a?50 percent increase to support the repair of municipal roads, bridges and infrastructure. 

The bill also proposes to update the program’s formula to ensure that every community in Massachusetts receives a significant increase in local road support, with enhanced support for small and rural communities.

“Every single Massachusetts resident and visitor relies on our transportation system. Our administration is committed to upgrading roads and bridges across the state to enhance safety, reduce congestion and improve commutes,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re also making sure that no community is left behind. We know that small and rural communities, especially in Western Mass, have different characteristics and needs. That’s why we proposed a change to the funding formula to make sure the get their fair share. We appreciate the Legislature’s consideration of our historic proposal and the opportunity to testify today.”

“I’ve been in the shoes of local leaders trying to stretch every dollar to meet community needs,” said Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll. “I know that Chapter 90 isn’t just a funding program – it’s a lifeline for cities and towns working to maintain safe, accessible, and resilient infrastructure. Our administration understands that, and we’re here to support every community in every region of the state.” 

Additionally, authorizations in this bill will also improve pavement and bridge conditions across the state. This bill will authorize an additional $500 million for MassDOT’s road and bridge lifecycle asset management program to address the condition of pavement and bridges statewide. It will also help to replace and upgrade vulnerable culverts and small bridges. 

“Our budget reflects our values – and infrastructure is at the top of that list,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “Our approach to this year’s budget focuses on providing stability for years to come. That stability is essential for good planning and sound financial stewardship at the local level.”

Chapter 90 will also help to ease congestion and address safety. This bill will provide $185 million of new capital resources for MassDOT to take action on safety and congestion hotspots statewide, improving conditions for drivers, pedestrians, transit riders, and bicyclists, in critical areas such as rail crossings, intersections, near schools, commercial districts, and residential areas, wherever attention is most needed.

“Transportation impacts every part of our daily lives, and Chapter 90 empowers communities to make critical upgrades that serve everyone—residents, visitors, commuters, pedestrians, and employers alike,” said Transportation Secretary & CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “We remain committed to delivering transportation solutions that are equitable, resilient, and rooted in community needs.”

This bill will enable $200 million of additional investments in culverts and small bridges, to replace undersized and deteriorating infrastructure with more resilient replacements, enhancing climate change preparedness and reducing the backlog of deferred maintenance for state and local government.

“Chapter 90 is one of the most flexible tools we have to meet the unique needs of each city and town,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “From pothole repairs to major resurfacing projects, this funding empowers local officials to act swiftly and effectively. Our job is to make sure those dollars are deployed efficiently and with maximum impact.” 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration remains committed to modernizing infrastructure, and supporting sustainable, long-term economic growth and development across the state. 

Statements of Support:

Linda Dunleavy, Executive Director, Franklin Regional Council of Governments 
“Rural, western Massachusetts has long advocated for a change in the Chapter 90 formula to recognize that the cost of road maintenance is the same whether a municipality has a population of 1,000 or 10,000. We appreciate the Governor’s and MassDOT’s recognition of this fact and their support to distribute $100 million by road miles only.”

Adam Chapdelaine, Executive Director and CEO, Massachusetts Municipal Association 

“Cities and towns across the Commonwealth are united in strong support of the governor’s five-year Chapter 90 proposal, which would authorize investments of $300 million per year for the maintenance of local roads and bridges. The 50% increase in yearly funding would have an enormous impact in promoting safety, economic development and the quality of life in all 351 cities and towns. The longer-term nature of the proposal would be extremely helpful in local planning efforts in order to make the most efficient use of the funding. We hope to see swift passage of this important infrastructure bill, in time for the spring construction season.”

Worcester City Manager Eric Batista

“Communities across Massachusetts rely on Chapter 90 funding to maintain and improve their streets and the proposed funding increase is a much welcome boost to these efforts,” said Worcester City Manager Eric D. Batista. “The proposed investments in capital improvements are critically important and help ensure that municipalities like the City of Worcester have safe, reliable, and efficient transportation infrastructure, which is necessary to support a resilient economy and high quality of life for our residents. We look forward to working with MassDOT and our other partners to improve mobility and travel options.”

Chrissy Lynch, President, AFL-CIO Massachusetts:

"Roads and bridges allow the Massachusetts economy work by connecting our communities. We applaud Governor Healey for taking action to make real, tangible investments in our municipal infrastructure to correct decades of underinvestment. This is also a key part of the vital infrastructure work that needs to be done to ensure our region is flood resilient as climate change worsens storms and high tides.  Unions have the workforce ready to make these critical infrastructure improvements. When we support good jobs in our communities, we also give these same workers the economic stability to stay and invest in our local communities."

Frank Callahan Jr, President, Massachusetts Building Trades Unions:

“We thank Governor Healey for her timely filing of this important legislation and for the Committees quick consideration on this matter. To our members, this is a jobs bill. With all the uncertainty coming out of Washington your speedy action on this legislation will generate thousands of good union construction jobs throughout the Commonwealth during this upcoming road construction season.”