Representative proposes Suburban Infrastructure Fund to ease pressure on local roads and bridges

Summary

Representative Gallagher outlined H.3997, a bill to create a Suburban Infrastructure Fund to boost Chapter 90‑style support for roads, bridges and sidewalks in suburban communities, citing failed overrides and inflationary construction costs. He framed the fund as similar to the Student Opportunity Act but aimed at municipal capital needs.

Representative Gallagher testified in favor of H.3997, the Suburban Infrastructure Fund, asking the joint committee to consider a new funding stream for local road, bridge and sidewalk repairs that would supplement existing Chapter 90 funds and the administration’s bond proposals. Gallagher said communities face mounting inflationary pressure when soliciting bids for capital work and that property tax overrides are an unsustainable solution for many towns.

Gallagher described a recent Bridgewater override that failed and noted that communities with high capital needs are asking for targeted state help to avoid repeated override requests. He suggested the fund could be capitalized from statewide resources such as revenues from ballot initiatives or the Fair Share funds and would allow qualified communities to apply annually for support for a priority road or project.

The committee did not take action at the hearing; lawmakers asked for additional fiscal detail and eligibility criteria.