State Senate votes to invest in transportation

Thanks to the help of local legislators Jamie Eldridge and Mike Barrett, the Massachusetts Senate has passed a bill authorizing $13 billion in capital spending over five years to fund improvements to the state’s transportation system.

The final version includes $4.5 million to replace Sherman’s Bridge, which connects Sudbury and Wayland.  Sudbury town officials highlighted the importance of the project, the Senators said, and they were glad to come through.

Barrett also successfully inserted an amendment for $700,000 for Sudbury to purchase the right of way for an abandoned rail line.  Once the land is purchased, the town would be able to do a major road alignment.

With the remaining land, Sudbury can begin design work on the southern part of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, a popular bicycle and walking path.  “My wife and I ride the northern portion of the trail all the time,” Barrett said.  “We look forward to the day we can traverse the trail from Chelmsford to Sudbury, the length of my district.”

“I am pleased Senator Barrett and I were able to work together to secure funding in the transportation bond bill that will improve infrastructure in the town of Sudbury,” said Senator Eldridge.  "As the winter recedes, it's critical that the Massachusetts Legislature passes the transportation bond bill quickly in order to improve Sudbury's roads and bridges and support the construction of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail."

“Investing in transportation will pay dividends for our state’s economy.  A better system will attract new businesses, improve commutes and make our infrastructure safer,” said Barrett.  “On top of that, these capital expenditures will help the environment by promoting public transportation and improving biking and walking conditions.”

The bill includes $1.5 billion in spending over the next five years for the Chapter 90 program which funds local roads and bridge repairs.  Cities and towns will now be notified of their Chapter 90 appropriation each year before March 1st.

Bicyclists and pedestrians see support through the authorization of $50 million for the Complete Streets Program, which takes a wide angle look at how to best integrate biking and walking paths with roadways.

The bond bill also creates a grant program for municipalities to promote all kinds of transportation -- walking, cycling, public transportation, automobiles and freight.

For snow and ice removal, the bill allows the Department of Transportation to spend $50 million more than their available funds in fiscal years 2014 and 2015.

The capital plan also includes:

·   $1.9 billion for interstate/non-interstate federal highways, which is approximately 80 percent federally reimbursable;

·   $2.2 billion for non-federally aided roads and bridges;

·   $125 million for the Department of Conservation and Recreation for repairs, improvements, construction of parkways and related equipment;

·   $24 million for the mobility assistance program and regional intercity bus and intermodal services;

·   $80 million for the statewide rail access program;

·   $63 million for Registry of Motor Vehicles modernization;

·   $146.5 million for information technology at the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

In addition, it de-authorizes $2 billion from previous transportation bond bills not spent within 90 days after the bill goes into effect.

The Senate and House will now produce a compromise bill for final passage and consideration of the governor.