Chapter 90 funds cut for 2000
Published on July 21st, 1999
STONEHAM, MA - A perfect example of a classic American History concept may cost Stoneham $135,959. Because of a nationwide redistribution of transportation funds, Massachusetts will lose $400 million in federal money. The state has reacted by cutting Chapter 90 road work funds to cities and towns from $150 to $100 million. This is the division of powers at work, and Stoneham is on the bottom.
For fiscal 1999 Stoneham received $407,877 in Chapter 90 money. Next year Stoneham will get $271,918, according to Massachusetts Municipal Association calculations.
"If we can usually repair 20 to 25 roads a year, now we will be able to do only 14 or 15," said Robert Grover, Director of Public Works and Town Engineer for Stoneham.
"Everyone expected that at worst we were going to be level funded," said State Senator Richard Tisei (R - 3rd Middlesex). " The other 49 states got increases in transportation funds."
In response to statewide concern the State Legislature has placed a $50 million addendum for Chapter 90 on the still incomplete fiscal 2000 state budget.
"Representative (Mike) Festa supported this effort," said Eric Wildman of Festa's office. "He was in municipal government, so he understands the importance of Chapter 90."
Finance Committee member Kristen Russo said the cuts could slow down scheduled road work two years.
"I am worried about sidewalk reconstruction scheduled to be ready when the new schools are completed," Russo said.
Grover said that roads and sidewalks along school routes would receive priority.
"But less traveled roads on the outskirts, so to speak, will have to wait," Grover said.
Franklin Street, the Town Parking and Common Project and repairs to south Main Street will not be affected. According to Grover, the $150,000 design phase of the Franklin Street project has already been paid for, and separate transportation grants will cover the remainder of the $1.5 million project.
Tisei said all the funds have been dispersed for the Parking/Common project.
"Stoneham is in good shape," Tisei added.
According to Tisei and Wildman, the state plans to finish road work on south Main Street with surplus budget funds.
"The House, Senate and Governor have decided to use the entire $250 to $300 million budget surplus for transportation projects," Tisei said.
Grover said he is glad the state plans to finish the Main Street project, but he questions how the town will be able to fund upkeep of this road and others as the town grows and funding declines.
Tisei said funding to towns may be on the decline, but he wanted to remind officials and citizens that the state doubled Chapter 90 funding five years ago.
Russo agreed but said, "Since then it has been level funded with no increase."
The budget cuts would have been worse if the legislature had not added the $50 million budget addendum, but this may not happen in fiscal 2001.
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