State Sen. Jake Oliveira announced that communities across his district will see “unprecedented increases” in state transportation funding with the passage of this year’s Chapter 90 bond bill.
In a press release sent by the Ludlow Democrat’s office, it stated “the legislation, approved by both the Senate and House, represents an important step forward in prioritizing not only municipal infrastructure across the state, but especially in rural regions, by ensuring that Western Massachusetts receives its fair share of infrastructure investment.”
This year’s bill authorizes $300 million for the Chapter 90 Program, a 50% increase over past funding levels, which provides direct state aid for cities and towns to maintain and improve local roads and bridges.
Oliveira stated, “These are not just numbers in a budget. They represent safer school bus routes, rebuilt bridges and smoother roads for our communities.”
For the first time, $100 million of the total will be distributed using a formula that more accurately reflects the road mileage maintained by rural communities, addressing inequities in the funding process.
Oliveira said, “I’m proud to have advocated for a funding formula that ensures places like Belchertown, Granby, Ludlow, Wilbraham, Longmeadow and all 12 communities I represent get the resources they need to thrive. This year’s Chapter 90 bill shows that when we say we’re building a stronger Massachusetts, we truly mean all of Massachusetts, including Western [Massachusetts].”
Chicopee will receive approximately $2.47 million in Chapter 90 funds while South Hadley is set to receive about $987,000.
South Hadley Department of Public Works Director John Broderick said, “It is always nice to receive additional funding from MassDOT, as local funds never go far enough to repair aging infrastructure.”
According to mass.gov, South Hadley received approximately $494,000, respectively, in fiscal year 2025 and FY24 for Chapter 90 funding. From FY25 to FY26, South Hadley saw a 99.3% increase in its Chapter 90 funding.
Broderick explained that this year’s increased allotment will allow the city to pave more streets than in previous years.
“With escalating costs for labor, materials and fuel, of which paving and all road maintenance materials are composed of, this additional funding will allow South Hadley to have additional roadways resurfaced or crack sealed, as part of our Pavement Management Program,” Broderick stated.
He also discussed how it feels to finally be receiving more funds after years of advocating for an increase.
Broderick said, “I do know that a lot of hard work went into the behind the scenes work that the [Massachusetts Highway] Association board members and contributing groups advocated for, and finally, that had an impact on where funding went.”
Mayor John Vieau talked about how the increased Chapter 90 funds will help benefit Chicopee.
From FY18 to FY25, Chicopee received about $1.3 million, respectively, each year in Chapter 90 funding.
From FY25 to FY26, Chicopee saw an 88.2% increase in its Chapter 90 funding.
Vieau shared his excitement to receive this increased Chapter 90 funding that will help benefit more of the city than in recent years.
He stated, “I am pleased to share that our city will be receiving an increase in Chapter 90 funding from the state. This additional support will allow our Department of Public Works to complete more road repairs than originally planned. We are grateful for this investment, which will help us improve the safety and longevity of our streets without being limited by financial constraints. We look forward to continuing this important work for our community.”
