Franklin County towns to get roughly $7M in highway funds

Greenfield Recorder 07/10/2012, Page C03

Recorder Staff

Franklin County towns will get a total of roughly $7 million in state highway funds for road and bridge repairs, now that the Legislature has approved a $200 million transportation bill.

According to Gov. Deval Patrick’s office, $7,046,861 in state Chapter 90 highway funds will be coming to county communities. The money may be used for local roads, bridges, “multi-use path projects” and related needs, to improve public safety.

“Investing in our infrastructure creates jobs, enhances public safety and leaves our roads and bridges better for the next generation,” said Patrick in announcing the funding. “This significant investment in Franklin County is part of our growth strategy of investing in education, innovation and infrastructure to continue the (state’s) strong economic recovery.” Here’s the fiscal year 2013 state apportionment for local towns: Ashfield $1,212,182; Bernardston $185,969; Buckland $188,417; Charlemont $185,579; Colrain $327,140; Conway $270,255; Deerfield $401,575; Erving $84,550 Gill $152,121; Greenfield $650,299; Hawley $181,071; Heath $213,212.

Leverett $151,710; Leyden $147,018; Monroe $67,620; Montague $502,128; New Salem $150,215; Northfield $292,388; Orange $423,323; Rowe $147,811.

Shelburne $220,294; Shutesbury $136,218; Sunderland $189,202; Warwick $228,731; Wendell $191,609; Whately $146,324.

Besides creating the $3 billion Accelerated Bridge Program, the governor’s office claims that the Patrick-Murray administration has doubled the capital investment in bridge and road programs since taking office.