Transportation, Economic Bills Include Projects For Burlington

BURLINGTON, MA — The monumental transportation and economic development packages passed by the Massachusetts legislature early Wednesday morning included millions in funding for infrastructure projects in Burlington.

The $16.5 billion transportation bill includes two projects in Burlington. The bill authorizes the governor to fund, at his discretion:

• $2.468 million for roadway and sidewalk reconstruction and traffic improvements in Burlington
• $1 million for sidewalk construction in Burlington

The $627 million economic development bill also contains two Burlington projects:

• $1 million to assist Bedford and Burlington in developing commercial space for the life science industry
• $250,000 to support the small manufacturing research center at Northeastern University's Burlington Campus

Both bills authorize the projects but do not appropriate funds for them.

"The Burlington and Woburn delegation worked together to support the priorities of our towns and I am very pleased that these priorities were included in the final bill," state Sen. Cindy Friedman said about the bill. "This is proof that the Senate and House can work together for the betterment of our communities."

“Although this year has been deeply challenging for us all, I’m proud of the Legislature’s continued commitment to address our most pressing issues,” state Rep. Ken Gordon said. “These bills will make the Commonwealth a leader on climate change, bolster our economy, and improve our transportation system for everyone.”

The bills are now on Gov. Charlie Baker's desk. Baker can sign or veto them, but any vetoes cannot be overridden by the Legislature because that session is now over.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.

Correction: An earlier version of this story said these projects were funded. They are authorized but not funded. We regret the error.