HAMPSHIRE COUNTY – In advance of Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signing a proposed the proposed transportation funding bill, local officials discussed its plans for the funding.

The State House News Service reported on July 16 that Baker signed a bill that will provide $350 million with cities and towns receiving get a portion of the $200 million in Chapter 90 municipal road repair program funding.    

According to a social media post provided by state Sen. John Velis prior to the signing, the Chapter 90 funding invests money in myriad projects throughout the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District, including $25 million for a Municipal Small Bridge Program to support replacement or preservation of structurally deficient local bridges in local communities that are not eligible for existing federal aid.

Another $25 million will go toward the Local Bottleneck Program to address localized traffic bottlenecks and invest in infrastructure to reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, and reduce idling and greenhouse gas emissions. $25 million will also be used for electric vehicle infrastructure to support local municipalities and regional transit authorities in their efforts to install electric vehicle infrastructure and purchase of electric vehicles and zero-emission vehicles.

Lastly, the bill invests $25 million for transit-supportive infrastructure to create dedicated bus lanes, enhance bus stops and train stations, support passenger safety, upgrade technology and modernize infrastructure to meet demand and increase frequency of public transit services, and improve access to public transit.

The town of Southampton specifically received $313,581 from this Chapter 90 funding passed by the state Senate. According to Town Administrator Ed Gibson, Southampton plans on using these funds during fiscal year 2022.

With the money, the town plans on paving a level overlay of County Road North, Hillside Meadow and Pleasant Street. There will also be a paved level overlay of portions of Gilbert Road and portions of East Street.

“There will also be chip sealing planned for portions of Crooked Ledge Road, Cook Road, Former Road and Pequot Road,” said Gibson.

Regarding when all this work could get done, Gibson said, “This would all be dependent upon being able to accomplish the preparation work needed on those areas and being able to schedule the vendors to perform the work.”

Easthampton, meanwhile, received $482,343 from this transportation bill. According to Greg Nuttelman, the director of public works for Easthampton, the money will go toward paving Main Street with some catch basin improvements.

“These funds will be used for drainage work, RRFB (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons) installation on Main and Glendale and paving on Main Street from Park Street to the intersection with South Street,” said Nuttelman.

Velis, in a comment sent to Reminder Publishing, said, “With nearly $500,000 in funding for Easthampton and over $300,000 in funding for Southampton, this bill will help our municipalities invest in projects that will improve our transportation system and the quality of life for residents overall. Chapter 90 funding is a direct support and critical resource for communities all across the commonwealth, and passing this bill ensures that construction projects can get under way.”