Newly-elected Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker (R) released $100 million in Chapter 90 transportation funds on January 8 to support local transportation infrastructure.

Chapter 90 funds are used to reimburse cities and towns for local projects such a road highway construction and maintenance, transit and bike paths. Former Governor Deval Patrick (D) and the Massachusetts legislature originally authorized $300 million for Chapter 90 funds in House Bill 4046, signed into law April 14, 2014. However, concerns over a potential state budget shortfall caused the Deval Administration to withhold one-third of those funds.

After directing the delivery of the unreleased $100 million, Baker issued a statement saying, “I am pleased that one of the first acts of this administration is to fulfill our commitment to ensure local governments have access to the infrastructure funds they have been promised for transportation upgrades. The release of these funds represents a step towards creating better jobs and building stronger communities in Massachusetts.”