$2.9B transportation bond aimed at ‘neglect’

BOSTON – Gov. Deval L. Patrick has filed a three-year, $2.9 billion transportation bond measure that he said is intended “to begin reversing years of neglect.”
The commonwealth’s investment is expected to attract another $1.9 million in federal funds, giving the bond issue a total effective value of $4.8 billion, he said.
A portion of the money raised by the bond issue would be distributed to cities and towns to assist with their infrastructure needs. The measure calls for $500 million in Chapter 90 grants to improve local roads and bridges; $50 million in public works grants to support economic development; $15 million in transportation-related grants to communities with populations of 7,000 or less; and $20 million in “TOD” grants for communities that fund public infrastructure and affordable housing to support transit-oriented development.