State funding for Waltham Traffic Improvements on the way.

(BOSTON) – State Representative Tom Stanley joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives on January 29 in approving a $12.7 billion bond bill to assist Massachusetts communities in paying for local transportation-related projects. 

The bond bill authorizes $300 million in Chapter 90 funding to help cities and towns complete road, bridge and infrastructure improvement projects. This marks the eighth consecutive year that the House has either raised or level-funded Chapter 90. The legislation also includes a provision designating South Station the “Governor Michael S. Dukakis Transportation Center at South Station.”

 “Chapter 90 funds are essential to providing stability and prompting economic growth in Massachusetts,” House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said. “That growth starts on the local level which is why the House has been, and will continue to be, an unyielding champion of municipalities across the state. 

  “This bill demonstrates a continued financial commitment by the House of Representatives to pay for all modes of transportation in Massachusetts including roads, bridge repairs, new trains, improvements to local airports, and major transportation infrastructure projects.  An accessible and modern transportation system is essential for economic growth", said Rep. William Straus (D-Mattapoisett), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation.

 “The Transportation Bond Bill offers many opportunities for the City of Waltham,” saidRepresentative Tom Stanley.  “In addition to the increase of Ch.90 funds, the bill also includes $700,000 for a Master Plan traffic study and $145,000 to fund a wireless traffic signal system for 25 traffic signals in the Main and Moody Streets area which will give the City comprehensive guidance, instruction and ability to address ongoing and long-term traffic issues.  Improving traffic conditions in the city is essential to reducing our carbon footprint on the environment, helping local businesses grow and attract customers, and enhancing the quality of life for residents.”  - Rep. Tom Stanley

The legislation will improve and modernize the state’s infrastructure system through projects including:

Funding for the City of Waltham will benefit projects such as:

* $145,000 for a wireless traffic signal system for 25 signals in the Main and Moody Streets area.

The bill also includes $50 million in grant monies for the ‘complete streets’ project which supports investments that accommodate users including motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit.