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Candidates call for more Chapter 90 and dedicated bike-ped funding for cities like Malden
Summary
At the forum candidates agreed Chapter 90 funds are insufficient for municipal needs and urged additional, targeted funding for Complete Streets and pedestrian/bicycle projects, while discussing developer-built unaccepted roads that affect allocations.
Moderators reminded the audience that Chapter 90 is the state's primary funding stream for municipal transportation and cited recent allocations (Malden ~ $1.2 million; Melrose ~ $750,000). All three candidates said the program needs strengthening and more predictable funding.
Carrie McDonald said Chapter 90 falls short of local needs and proposed additional dedicated funding for bike and pedestrian infrastructure tied to crash hot spots and equity priorities. "We should have additional dedicated funding that goes towards those pedestrian and biking and safety improvements," she said.
Ryan O'Malley agreed Chapter 90 should be increased but highlighted a technical constraint: roads built by developers that are not accepted to city standards do not count toward Chapter 90 mileage, reducing eligible funding. "Those unaccepted roads don't count towards our Chapter 90 funding," he said, urging enforcement of development standards and streamlined grant processes. Kate Lipurgarabedian described recent increases in Chapter 90 (she referenced a 50% increase during her tenure) and said the legislature can continue to grow the municipal pot, citing a $65 million municipal paving program and sustained support for Complete Streets grants.
Candidates proposed tying new funding to safety outcomes and simplifying grant access for municipalities, but did not present specific bill text or a funding formula at the forum.
