The majority-Democrat state Senate is expected to vote as soon as Thursday on a $200 million road and bridge funding bill that will provide municipalities across the state with a badly needed infusion of infrastructure money
The vote on the previously approved House bill comes just about two weeks after a freighter collided with Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, claiming the lives of six people, and focusing the nation’s attention on infrastructure issues.
The lower chamber’s version of the bill combines a one-year, $200 million appropriation for road and bridge funding with a further $175 million in municipal grants, State House News Service reported.
A Senate version of the bill also provides that $200 million in so-called “Chapter 90 funding,” along with $25 million for rural roads, and $150 million for other municipal funding programs, the wire service reported.
This year marks the second year in a row that lawmakers have paired infrastructure money with other road and bridge-focused grant money, the wire service reported.
The bill sets aside funding for several initiatives, including the state’s Municipal Small Bridge Program, which helps cities and towns pay for small bridge replacements, as well as preservation and rehabilitation projects, according to an analysis provided by Senate President Karen Spilka’s, D-Middlesex/ Norfolk, office.
Democratic Gov. Maura Healey unsuccessfully had pushed for a multi-year approach to road and bridge spending, proposing $400 million for the program over two years.
The proposal had the backing of municipal leaders, State House News Service reported.
