Bill > H4416

This bill authorizes significant funding for transportation improvements, allocating $750 million for projects on the federal highway system and $50 million for smaller, non-federally aided bridges with spans up to 20 feet, with both funds requiring federal or municipal commitments respectively. To finance these improvements, the state treasurer is authorized to issue bonds totaling $135 million for federal highway projects and $50 million for the small bridge program, with these bonds designated as "Transportation Improvement Loan Act of 2016" and "Small Bridge Preservation and Improvement Act of 2016," respectively, and both payable by June 30, 2051. Additionally, construction contracts funded by the small bridge program will include price adjustment clauses for fuel, asphalt, concrete, and steel to account for monthly cost fluctuations exceeding 5%. The bill also establishes a "Complete Streets Program" within the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to encourage municipalities to incorporate accommodations for all transportation modes, such as walking and cycling, into their road projects, requiring municipalities to apply for grants, adopt relevant policies, and train staff. Finally, the bill makes technical amendments regarding the issuance of special obligation bonds and modifies an existing appropriation for environmental protection along highways.