Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $171 Million for MassDOT

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has received an additional $171 million in funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) as part of the annual funding redistribution process. These redistribution funds represent federal transportation funds that were unable to be used for programs in various states to which they were originally allocated. As part of this redistribution, MassDOT will add or increase funding for 12 infrastructure projects across Massachusetts. 

“This funding will provide a valuable boost for infrastructure projects that will improve roads, bridges, bike paths and sidewalks across the state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re grateful to the Biden-Harris administration and Federal Highway Administration for making these funds available.” 

“The transportation projects we invest in today will have a direct impact on our quality of life tomorrow and many years down the road, so it is essential that we continue to pursue these federal resources on behalf of our communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We look forward to seeing these projects come to life and benefit communities across the state.” 

“Projects that enhance safety, reliability and connectivity help make our communities more vibrant and more equitable,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “We are thankful to FHWA for providing this year more than double the total funding from last year and salute our MassDOT team members who made a strong case for the projects that have received funding.” 

“We are pleased to have successfully demonstrated the potential of these shovel-ready projects that will make our roadways safer and more inclusive,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “We thank the FHWA and intend to continue making a strong case for infrastructure upgrades that deliver the connectivity travelers expect and deserve."  

“This fantastic news demonstrates the impact of our state’s whole-of-government strategy to pursue federal dollars for the Commonwealth,” said Director of Federal Funds & Infrastructure Quentin Palfrey. “These projects will help make our state more economically competitive while improving interconnectivity across our communities. We are grateful to the Federal Highway Administration and all of our federal partners for their continued support of Massachusetts’ projects."  

Projects that will receive funds as part of this redistribution include: 

• Pittsfield – Reconstruction of East Street (Route 9). 
• Leominster – Rehabilitation along Route 12 (Central Street), including rehabilitation of Bridge No. L-08-022 carrying Route 12 over Fall Brook River. 
• Cohasset and Scituate – Corridor improvements and related work on Justice Cushing Highway (Route 3A), from Beechwood Street to Henry Turner Bailey Road.
• Wales – Reconstruction and improvements on Monson Road, from the Monson town line to Reed Hill Road (1.5 miles).
• Lawrence – Bicycle path construction along Lawrence Manchester Rail Corridor (LMRC) rail trail.
• Brockton – Intersection improvements and related work at Centre Street (Route 123), Cary Street and Lyman Street.
• Lowell, Dracut and Methuen – Resurfacing and related work along Route 110.
• Taunton – Corridor improvements and related work on Broadway (Route 138), from Purchase Street to Jackson Street (Phase 2).
• Peabody – Bicycle path construction along Independence Greenway Extension. 
• Agawam – Road safety improvements near Robinson Park Elementary School (a Safe Routes to School project).
• Harwich – Sidewalk installation on Route 28, from Bank Street to Saquatucket Harbor.
• Dennis and Yarmouth – Bridge replacement project for the bridge carrying Route 28 over Bass River, including intersection improvements at Main Street (Route 28)/North Main Street/Old Main Street.  

Every year in July, FHWA calculates how much Fiscal Year spending is likely to go unspent and solicits requests from the states for projects that can use the additional funding. Because FHWA obligation authority is a "use it or lose it" proposition, any projects submitted for additional funding must be able to be shovel-ready in the current fiscal year. These funds are available now and must be obligated no later than September 25, 2024. Massachusetts’ redistribution funding average for the previous four years had been $94.3 million.

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