The Healey-Driscoll Administration has declared a fiscal win for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) with an added $171 million in funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The windfall arrives courtesy of the FHWA's annual redistribution of unused federal transportation dollars. The fresh funds will bolster 12 infrastructure initiatives across the Bay State, aiming to enhance roads, bridges, cycling, and pedestrian pathways.
In a boost for the state's infrastructure, Governor Maura Healey expressed gratitude to the Biden-Harris administration and the FHWA for these additional resources, saying, "This funding will provide a valuable boost for infrastructure projects that will improve roads, bridges, bike paths and sidewalks across the state," according to Mass.gov. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll underscored the long-term benefits of such investments, noting their direct impact on the quality of life now and in future years.
Monica Tibbits-Nutt, Transportation Secretary and CEO, highlighted the enhancements in safety, reliability, and connectivity these projects aim to bring, which would contribute to vibrant and equitable communities. "We are thankful to FHWA for providing this year more than double the total funding from last year," Tibbits-Nutt told Mass.gov. Infrastructure upgrades are on the horizon, emphasized by Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver, who applauded the shovel-ready status of the projects and their potential to make roads safer and more inclusive.
Quentin Palfrey, Director of Federal Funds & Infrastructure, celebrated the effectiveness of Massachusetts' whole-of-government strategy for securing federal investment. In his words, "These projects will help make our state more economically competitive while improving interconnectivity across our communities," he told Mass.gov. He was grateful to the Federal Highway Administration and all federal partners for supporting the Commonwealth's infrastructure endeavors.
Among the projects slated for funding are roadway reconstructions, bridge rehabilitations, bike path constructions, and intersection improvements, touching various communities from Pittsfield to Taunton. For instance, funds are earmarked for road safety improvements near Robinson Park Elementary School in Agawam—a Safe Routes to School project—and the reconstruction of East Street in Pittsfield. The anticipated completion of these projects is contingent upon the swift utilization of the FHWA funds, requiring obligation by September 25, 2024, as prior years saw an average redistribution of $94.3 million to the state.
