Healey pledges $8 billion over 10 years to modernize transportation, cites major federal grants

Governor Maura Healey used the State of the Commonwealth address to lay out a multi-year transportation plan and to credit recent federal grant wins that increased the state's capital capacity.

Healey proposed investing $8 billion over the next 10 years to stabilize the transportation system, with aims to repair major bridges such as the I-91 viaduct in Chicopee, fix smaller local bridges and streets, shore up sidewalks and culverts, and expand commuter rail and station platforms across the state. She said the plan aims to close budget gaps at the MBTA and to reduce slow zones that have slowed service.

The governor credited the federal delegation and said the administration secured roughly $9 billion in federal dollars for roads, bridges, broadband, solar power and other projects over the past two years, citing that shift from lower rankings to higher in transportation funding. She singled out a historically large bridge grant for Cape Cod as an example of recent grant success.

Healey framed the plan as financed through federal grants and state management without new taxes, emphasizing “smart, forward-thinking management” and administrative goals to ensure the money delivers timely results to communities and commuters.

Next steps indicated in the address include allocation planning in the governor's upcoming budget submission and coordination with municipalities to direct funds for local bridges, sidewalks and transit station improvements.