Representative Antonio F.D. Cabral (D - New Bedford) voted yesterday afternoon to advance a bill that provides state dollars to cities and towns, including New Bedford, for local road repairs. The House of Representatives passed the annual “Chapter 90” bill yesterday after consideration from the Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets, which Rep. Cabral chairs. The bill now moves to the Senate.

This year’s Chapter 90 bill authorizes up to $200 million for the maintenance of roads and bridges managed by municipalities across the Commonwealth. Per the legislation, New Bedford will receive $2,111,149, the sixth highest allocation of all municipalities. This money is in addition to the $1,899,547 in available funds leftover from past allocations.

“Although this winter was fairly mild, as always, there are vital repairs that cities and towns must make to their local roads and this money will help them do that,” explained Rep. Cabral. “These state funds will also create jobs during the upcoming construction season. This bill is a win-win.”

As the Chairman of the Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets, Rep. Cabral advanced the bill through his Committee last week after hearing from MassDOT officials and municipal representatives. Rep. Cabral worked to ensure that communities could access these critical resources as quickly as possible. “I’m proud to have expedited this bill so that municipalities like New Bedford get access to this money this April,” said Rep. Cabral. “Let’s get to work.”

--Representative Cabral's Office

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