Bill > H4130

This bill establishes an Accelerated Bridge Program to address bridge infrastructure needs across Massachusetts, with a particular focus on rural and underserved communities. The legislation creates the Accelerated Bridge Fund, which will be used to finance the repair, replacement, and maintenance of structurally-deficient bridges through various funding sources including appropriations, federal grants, and bond proceeds. The program will prioritize projects based on safety risks, critical infrastructure importance, and historical funding disparities, with a specific emphasis on rural areas that have been traditionally underserved. A five-member Bridge Improvement Oversight Committee will be established to monitor the program's implementation, including representatives from transportation agencies and rural communities. The bill authorizes the state treasurer to issue up to $4 billion in special obligation bonds to fund the program, with bonds to be repaid from the Accelerated Bridge Fund and issued for a maximum term of 30 years. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will be required to maintain a public online portal tracking project progress and submit annual reports detailing the program's achievements, project investments, and impact on reducing structurally-deficient bridges. The program also emphasizes climate-resilient design, streamlined project processes, and encourages public-private partnerships to accelerate bridge improvements across the state.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4130