The bill authorizes a comprehensive funding initiative to enhance transportation infrastructure in Massachusetts, managed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. It includes a total allocation of $2,385,000,000 divided among several key programs aimed at improving transportation networks across the state. Specifically, $1,500,000,000 is earmarked for the construction and reconstruction of municipal roads, requiring cities and towns to follow department procedures and encouraging the development of long-term capital plans. Additionally, $500,000,000 is dedicated to a bridge and pavement lifecycle asset management program, focusing on non-federally aided roadways and bridges, with attention to climate change adaptation and resilience. A further $200,000,000 is allocated for modernizing and enhancing the resilience of culverts and small bridges. To tackle road congestion and improve safety, $185,000,000 is designated for various transportation capital projects, including intersection upgrades, bicycle paths, and pedestrian facilities.

The financing for these initiatives will be secured through bonds, issued by the state treasurer at the governor's request. The bill caps the funding for Section 2 projects at $1,500,000,000 and Section 2A projects at $885,000,000. These bonds, referred to as the Commonwealth Transportation Improvement Act of 2025, will be issued for up to 30 years, with repayments sourced from the General Fund or the Commonwealth Transportation Fund. This approach ensures fiscal responsibility and accountability in managing the financing of these transportation improvements.

The bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to distribute funds quarterly to cities and towns for approved road and bridge projects under Chapter 90 or related capital appropriations. This distribution schedule is designed to align with the construction, maintenance, or repair needs of local infrastructure, with a stipulation that no city or town receives more than one-fourth of its total annual allocation in any given quarter. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation establish or update regulations as necessary to effectively implement these provisions.

This bill proposes an amendment to Section 4 of Chapter 6C of the General Laws to establish a formula for allocating funds for municipal infrastructure projects, including ways and bridges. The distribution of funds by the department will consider three weighted factors: 15.333% based on population, 69.334% based on road mileage, and the final 15.333% based on employment figures. This allocation formula is designed to direct the commissioner's distribution of resources effectively for municipal projects.

This bill mandates the creation of a "Chapter 90 Commission" under the Massachusetts Department of Transportation with the task of reviewing the municipal infrastructure reimbursement program known as "Chapter 90". The commission will be comprised of nine members, including representatives from the Massachusetts Municipal Association, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, the Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies, the Mass. Highway Association, and appointees chosen by the Governor. The Secretary of the Department of Transportation will serve as the chair. The commission's primary objective is to evaluate the adequacy, effectiveness, and fairness of the current reimbursement formula used for funding vehicle and pedestrian infrastructure maintenance and capital projects. In its assessment, the commission will examine factors such as regional, geographic, socioeconomic, and population density variations, and the financial capacities of municipalities to determine the formula's appropriateness. Within one year of the bill's enactment, the commission is expected to produce a report with its findings and recommendations for submission to the Department of Transportation and the House and Senate Clerks.