$14+ Million Secured For City Infrastructure

Gov. Deval Patrick called the $1.5 billion transportation bond bill he signed Thursday what the state needs to strengthen its economy and "quality of life for the long term," while bringing a number of new construction projects to Malden. 

“Our transportation infrastructure had suffered from years of neglect, so this administration started rebuilding roads, rails and bridges in every corner of our state and creating thousands of jobs," Patrick said after he enacted the bill, which enjoyed the strong support of the Legislature, passing the House by a vote of 150-2 on July 31, the last day of the session.

The bond bill ensures funding for many projects already under way and allots money for the planning of future improvements across the state. Local projects include: 

Specific earmarks for local projects include: 

• $10,000,000 shall be expended for the lower north shore highway improvement project, including but not limited to improvements to Route 1 in the cities of Revere and Malden and the town of Saugus, improvements at Mahoney circle, improvements at Brown circle, improvements at Copeland circle, improvements at the intersection of Revere street and Route 60 and improvements at the intersection of Route 145 and Route 16.
• $675,000 shall be expended to complete the construction of the Northern Strand community trail, bike to the sea trail, located in the city of Malden.
• $1,750,000 shall be expended for the design and reconstruction of Route 99 in the city of Malden.
• $1,000,000 shall be expended for the Main street improvement project in the city of Malden.
• $30,000 shall be expended for countdown pedestrian signals at various intersections in the city of Malden;

It also continues funding for the final year of 2008's five-year Accelerated Bridge Program, the largest statewide infrastructure investment program ever, according to the administration. The bridge program has reduced the number of structurally deficient bridges by almost 20 percent, the governor's office said.