The Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) honored four state legislators, including Brendan Crighton (D–Third Essex), for their advocacy on behalf of cities and towns.
Crighton and State Rep. James Arciero (D-Middlesex) were presented with legislator of the year awards at the MMA’s Connect 351 Conference. State Sen. Jake Oliveira (D-Seventh Hampden) and State Rep. Danielle Gregoire (D-Middlesex) received municipal advocate awards.
“The success of MMA’s work would not be possible without the outstanding partners in the legislature and their commitment to municipalities,” said Adam Chapdelaine, executive director and CEO of the MMA. “Sen. Crighton and Rep. Arciero were instrumental in securing a historic increase in Chapter 90 funding, which will benefit every city and town across the Commonwealth at a time when infrastructure investments are urgently needed.”
The Chapter 90 program helps cities and towns with pothole repair, sidewalk improvements and bridge safety. It also covers regulations for motor vehicles, trailers and operator licenses.
As joint chairs of the Transportation Committee, Crighton and Arciero called for an increase in the Chapter 90 funding this past year. They secured a 50% increase in base local road and bridge funding, bringing total statewide Chapter 90 funding to $300 million.
“Along with my co-chair Representative Arciero, we look forward to continuing our partnership with municipal officials and advancing regional equity in our transportation infrastructure to support the needs of our cities and towns,” Crighton said.
Their efforts will deliver much-needed resources for local infrastructure, offering relief to municipalities struggling to maintain roads and bridges amid ongoing fiscal challenges.
Crighton previously told the Swampscott Tides he also focused on electrifying the commuter rail system. The bill, now before the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, would fully electrify the MBTA commuter rail by December 31, 2035, helping the Commonwealth meet its greenhouse gas reduction targets.
Recent MBTA investments include $20 million for the low-income reduced fare program, $40 million for infrastructure upgrades, and $175 million for workforce and safety expenses.
“Reliable transportation connects people to opportunity and our investments in programs like Chapter 90 ensure that communities and our state transportation providers have the resources and funding they need to get the job done and to get residents where they need to go,” Arciero said.
