By GAYLA CAWLEY
Several North Shore communities were among the state’s towns and cities allocated Chapter 90 funding for local road repairs and resurfacing for FY18, according to an announcement from state legislators.
“Chapter 90’s annual allocation of state funds allow municipalities to continue to invest in local roads and bridges,” state Sen. Thomas McGee (D-Lynn) said in a statement. “This continued investment into infrastructure helps improve the quality of life for citizens.”
Lynn received more than $1.5 million in Chapter 90 funding. Other communities also receiving Chapter 90 funding include Saugus with $642,035, Marblehead with $455,615, Lynnfield with $417,697, Swampscott with $295,854, and Nahant with $92,135.
Gino Cresta, Swampscott department of public works director and assistant town administrator, said Town Meeting members will also be asked to approve $200,000 in non-Chapter 90 road repair funding on Monday, for the town’s road service management system.
Cresta said the Chapter 90 and non-Chapter 90 funding will go strictly toward paving streets, including Sampson Avenue, Eureka Avenue, Fairview Avenue, Pleasant Street, Greenwood Avenue, Bay View Avenue, Cedar Hill Terrace, Sunset Drive, and Lawrence Terrace.
“It’s important to our communities that we are able to provide this helpful funding just as the road construction heats up,” state Rep. Lori Ehrlich (D-Marblehead) said in a statement. “Nobody likes potholes, so it’s good for everyone for road work to get underway.”
State Rep. Daniel Cahill (D-Lynn) said in a statement “we worked tirelessly as a delegation to ensure the city of Lynn received more funding this year than last, because without this money, the city would not be able to pave or repair any of our roads or sidewalks.”
“I’m very pleased that the state continues to provide these much-needed funds for our local transportation infrastructure,” state Rep. Brendan Crighton said in a statement. “This investment will help people safely get to where they need to go, while at the same time benefitting our local economy.”
State Rep. RoseLee Vincent (D-Revere) said in a statement she was “particularly pleased at the funding Saugus will receive for its roads, and I’m sure the town will direct these funds in needed areas.”
Gayla Cawley can be reached at gcawley@itemlive.com. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley.