Road and Bridge Repair State Funds Coming to Reading

Reading, MA - Reading will receive $595,949 for local road and bridge repairs under the state’s Chapter 90 program, House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) and Representative James J. Dwyer (D-Woburn) announced earlier this week.

The funding was included as part of a $200 million bond authorization approved by the House of Representatives on March 30.

“The Chapter 90 program provides critical funding assistance to help communities address their public infrastructure repair and maintenance needs,” said Representative Jones. “I’m proud to support this funding authorization, which will enable the town of Reading to carry out many important transportation initiatives thatwill benefit local residents.”

“Providing funding for much needed improvements to our infrastructure allows municipalities to focus local budgets on vital services that taxpayers expect,” said Representative Dwyer. “I am proud that the House has taken this step to help our communities with this crucial investment.”

Chapter 90 funds can be spent on a variety of municipal roadway projects, including resurfacing, drainage, sidewalks, traffic control and street lighting. The funding can also be used for bikeways, landscaping and tree planting, and for certain road building machinery, equipment and tools.

Established in 1973, the state’s Chapter 90 program allocates funding to cities and towns using a formula based on the weighted average of a municipality’s population, employment, and total road miles. The funds are paid out as reimbursements to communities for qualifying infrastructure work.

The bill now heads to the Senate for further action.