Massachusetts Legislature Passes Bill to Assist Municipalities with Road and Bridge Repairs

Yesterday the Massachusetts Senate passed a $200 million bill aimed at helping cities and town repair local roads and bridges that have been weathered by the brutal winter of 2010-2011. If signed by Governor Deval Patrick, the bill would allow for the following amounts to be apportioned to the following communities in the Second Plymouth/Bristol District for fiscal year 2012 (beginning August 1, 2011):

• Brockton: $2,037,379
• East Bridgewater: $379,839
• Easton: $730,868
• Halifax: $259,235
• Hanover: $514,492
• Hanson: $326,012
• Whitman: $330,393

The legislation authorizes a municipality to appropriate money for road projects up to the amount that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation ("MassDOT") determines it is entitled to under authorization per Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 ("c.90"). MassDOT uses a weighted formula based on road miles, population and employment.

The bill establishes a reimbursement model. When a city or town requests reimbursement from the commonwealth under the c. 90 authorization, it must include certification to MassDOT that expenses have been incurred, and that the project has been completed to the satisfaction of the municipality (and in conformance with applicable laws). Once the request is submitted, MassDOT has 30 days to reimburse the city or town.

If you have any questions about this, or any other piece of legislation, please don’t hesitate to contact Senator Kennedy’s office at 617.722.1200.