TR-2012-30 SUPPORT CHAPTER 90 MIN
TR-2012-30
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE COMMONWEALTH OF
MASSACHUSETTS' LEGISLATORS SUPPORT THE IMMEDIATE PASSAGE
OF THE CHAPTER 90 BOND LEGISLATION
Sponsored by Councilor George Bitzas
WHEREAS, under state law, cities and towns are supposed to receive formal
notice of their Chapter 90 allocation by April I" of each year; and
WHEREAS, cities and towns cannot sign contracts or commit their Chapter 90
funds until they receive these April l't letters of authorization from the state; and
WHEREAS, the failure to pass the Chapter 90 bond bill has caused a 6-week
delay, stalling projects and shortening the construction season; and
WHEREAS, important projects could be delayed until next year, driving up the
costs and adding to the deterioration of local roads; and
WHEREAS, said legislation languishes in a Senate conference committee after
1h
being unanimously passed by the House on March 28
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE AGAWAM CITY
COUNCIL requests the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' legislators end the delay and
support the immediate passage of the $200 million Chapter 90 bond bill.
Dated this day of JONAF _, 2012. U�j �
PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL
Christopher C. JohrJn, President
C)
CL gaLQ
E!
CA4RVED T�OiFORM AND LEGALITY I )>r—
rn
;K
V ce 17. 10sc a. C tv
in nt scia, City Solicitor
Ln
MAYORAL ACTION
Received this day of 2012 from Council Clerk.
Signed by Council President this day of 201,2.
APPROVAL OF LEGISLATION
By the powers vested in me pursuant to Article 3, Section 3-6 of the Agaw harter, as
amen#ed, I hereby approve the passage of the above legislation on this day of
2012.
Richard A. Cohen, Mayor
DISAPPROVAL OF LEGISLATION
By the powers vested in me pursuant to Article 3, Section 3-6 of the Agawam Charter, as
amended, I hereby veto the passage of the above legislation on this day of
2012 for the following reason(s):
Richard A. Cohen, Mayor
.RETURN OF LEGISLATION TO COUNCIL CLERK
Returned to Council Clerk this (5 day of 2012.
CHAPTER 90 DELAYED IN CONFERENCE
COMMITTEE
Further Delays Will Shorten the Chapter 90 Construction Season
Please Call Your Senators and Representatives Today to End the
Impasse
Despite the fact that House and Senate members have each voted 'in support of a$200 million Chapter 90
program for fiscal year 2013, passage of this important legislation has been delayed by six weeks, lodged in a
conference committee that has been unable to reach agreement on other issues unrelated to Chapter 90.
Please call your Senators and Representatives today and ask them to end the delay and move the $200
million Chapter 90 bond legislation immediately.
Under state law, cities and towns are supposed to receive formal notice of their Chapter 90 allocation by April
I of each year, allowing for adequate time to plan and use their Chapter 90 funds during the entire construction
season. Communities cannot sign contracts and commit their Chapter 90 funds until they receive these April I
letters of authorization from the state. Because of the failure to pass the Chapter 90 bond bill, cities and towns
have only received preliminary letters that will not become official until the bond bill and a "terms bill" are
signed into law. The 6-week delay is stalling projects and shortening the construction season for communities
across the state. If this continues, important projects could be delayed until next year, driving up costs and
adding to the deterioration of local roads.
The problems started earlier this year. Even though the Administration announced it would be filing a $200
million Chapter 90 bond bill last January, the legislation was not filed with the Legislature until mid-March.
Further complicating matters, the Administration's bill included several major sections in addition to the S200
million for Chapter 90, including $1.3 billion for state projects and language creating a new infrastructure
bank.
Concerned that this larger S 1.5 billion bill could slow down passage of the Chapter 90 component, on March
22 the Joint Committee on Transportation separated the legislation into two parts and issued a swift favorable
report for a Chapter-90-only bill to fast-track it through the Legislature. The House immediately acted,
ushering the bill through two committees and passing it with a unanimous vote on March 28, beating the April
I deadline, a step deeply appreciated by local officials across the state.
The Senate then opted to hold another hearing on the legislation on April 5, and on April 12 the full Senate
amended the Chapter-90-only bili to add back the $1.3 billion in state projects. The House, which had not
'debated the$1.3 billion in state projects, urged the Senate to agree to the Chapter-90-only bill immediately,
with the $1.3 billion state project bill to be debated later in the session. The Senate held firm in its position
and appointed a conference committee to resolve the impasse. Unfortunately, the $200 million Chapter 90 bill
has been stuck in the conference committee since that time.
PLEASE ASK YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES TO END THE DELAY AND PASS
THE $200 MILLION CHAPTER 90 BILL IMMEDIATELY
Page I of I
barbara bard
From: mailer@thebarregroup.com on behalf of Senator Michael R. Knapilk [Michael.Knapik@masenate.gov)
Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 10:18 AM
To: barbara bard
Subject: FY12 Supplemental Budget- H.4285
COMMONWEALTH OF
IVAIASSACHUSETT�
Massachusetts Senate
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133
Senator Michael R. Knapik District Office
57 Norih Elm St.
The State House Westfield , MA 01085
Room 419 Phone: 4 13-562-6454
Boston, AIA 02133
Phone: 6/7-722-14/5
Michael.Knapikna masenale.jZov
Dear Local Official,
As you may know, Govemor Patrick filed a supplemental budget on Monday, July 16, 2012
making appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2012 to provide $30.5 million in supplemental funding
for certain existing appropriations and one-time costs. In the bill, $8.4 million in reserve funding
for the state share cost is directed to certain municipalities affected by the October 2011
snowstorm. Additionally, $7.1 million in reserve funding for state share cost is directed to certain
municipalities affected by Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011. The bill is currently before the
House committee on Ways and Means. The text of the supplemental budget may be accessed
here H.4285.
Please do not hesitate to contact me office with any questions or concerns,
Mike
Th s sent to bbard@ag swam,ma.0 s by Michael.Knepik@masenate.gov using lisl services provided by The Barre Group.
Un=a
f[pm this li5t kkm
7/19/2012
Page I of'2
�arbara bard
From. mailer@thebarregroup-com on behalf of Senator Mike Knapik[michael.knapik@masenate.gov]
Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2012 8:42 AM
To: barbara bard
Subject: FY 2013 Budget Conference Report
COMMONWEA L TH OF
WSSACHUSOTS
5r--
Massachusetts Senate
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133
CID
Senator Michael R. Knapik District Office
57 North Elm St. -7 Y
The State House Westfield , MA 01085 ip-
Room 419 LP
Boston, AIA 02133 Phone: 413-562-6454
Phone: 617-722-1415
Michael.Knapikna.masenale.Zov
Dear Local Leaders,
Below, please find links to the FY 2013 budget conference report. I am particularly pleased with
the commitment the Legislature has made to local aid, including funding for local assistance for
homeless student transportation.
My staff is working on a summary we will share later in the day, but in the meantime, if there are
line items of particular interest to you, do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for all you do on behalf of the citizens and communities you represent.
Sincerely,
Michael R. Knapik
State Senator
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives—
The Committee of Conference on the disagreeing votes of the two branches with reference to the
Senate amendments of the House Bill making appropriations for the fiscal year 2013 for the
6/28/2012
Page 2 of 2
maintenance of the departments, boards commissions, institutions and certain activities of the Commonwealth, for
interest, sinking fund and serial bond requirements and for certain permanent improvements (House, No. 410 1) has
filed its reports (House, Nos. 4200 and 4219).
These reports can be accessed here:
htip://www.malegislature.p-ov/Content/Documents/Budget/FY2013/ConferenceReport-H4200.pdf
http-://www.malep-i slature-goviCon tent/Documents/Budget/F Y201 3/Con ference Report-H4 219.pd f
— Office of the House Clerk
This email was sent to bbard@agawam.ma.us by michael.knapik@masenate.gov using list services provided by The Barre Group.Unsubscribe from thjj.�
6/28/2012
Page I ot' l
barbara bard
From: Senator Michael R. Knapik [michael.knapik@masenate.gov)
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2012 6:09 PM
To-. barbara bard
Subject: Chapter 90 legislation sent to Governor <')
COMMONWEA L TH OF
MASSACHUSETT�
Massachusetts Senate
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133
District Office
Senator Michael R. Knapik 7 7
57 North Elm St.
Westfield, MA 01085
The State House
Room 419 Phone: 413-562-6454
Bosion, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-1415
Michael.Knoikna m asenate.L,0,
Dear Local Official,
After weeks of review, the conference committee charged with reconciling the differences
between the House and Senate versions of the Transportation Bond Bill released the section
allocating the much needed Chapter 90 funds for our cities and towns. It was approved by both
the House and Senate during formal sessions today. The bill is now before the Governor for his
final approbation. Below is a blurb from the State House News Service.
Thank you all for your tireless advocacy on behalf of your communities. If you have any
questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Very truly yours,
Mike
HOUSE, SENATE APPROVE $200 MIL CHAPTER 90 BILL*. After a long stalemate between the House and
Senate, the Senate on Wednesday approved legislation aimed at delivering $200 million in promised local road and
bridge repair funds to cities and towns. A six-member conference committee agreed to the Chapter 90-only bill,
divorcing it from larger, ongoing deliberations over a $1.5 billion transportation bond. "We're moving fom-ard on
the $200 million," said Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Sen. Thomas McGee (D-Lynn). "We're getting
the Chapter 90 out today," Like the senate, the House approved the funding bill Wednesday afternoon on a voice
vote. The House originally approved a transportation financing bill limited to the Chapter 90 funds. The Senate
then passed legislation with the local funds as well as funding for statewide projects as part of a $1.5 billion bill
requested by Gov. Deval Patrick. Until today, the local funds have been held up in a House-Senate dispute over the
size of the bill, frustrating local officials who had hoped for a Chapter 90 law t o be signed back in April in order to
advance local projects and create jobs. The House last week agreed to take up the larger bond bi I I and proceeded to
load it up with dozens of amendments earmarking funds for local projects. The Chapter 90 bill released from
conference committee Wednesday requires that all construction contracts funded under it include a price adjustment
clause for fuel,asphalt, concrete;and steel.Text of S2329 3:47 p.m.
6/28/2012
2 a�—Pp 11,
Agawam High School
Fcbrl.tary 12, 20 10
Agawam TOMI COLIIICII Members:
47
1 ani \vriting this letter in SLIppOr`1 Oi'Senate Bill 90-An Act 10 SLIStaill C01111111-1111tv
Preservation.
Aga\vani has betief-itted in IllaM, WaNIS fi-oni the To\vn s SUPPON of'the CPA
Funds. The direction leadership has taken III UttliZin"I these t'Unds has always been
I'Llvorable.
After reviewing the I'CA)ILItIO1I that IS III fi-Ont 0[01C COUIlCil. I \vould like to say as
a resident and as the Director M'Athleiics ol'the To�vn ol'Aga\vam. I WOUld be III SLIpI1011
of'passin&, this resolution. It seenis thLit there has been I -41l,eV d1'eLl III terills of lioW and
where the CPA 1'un& COUld be directed. III 1XII-tiCt-dar. ill tile past these I'Linds could not be
1. 11*7 - - e
it I -cd I'Or niaintenance of the toxvii's athletic track/lield. As most I)eople are akvar . t
A-awarn High School Track Team still practices oil the original cinder track that has
byri in existence Since 1955, Manv ol'the suri-OLInding municipalities have rubherized
tracks for their hi-h schools that are Used for their track CoMpetiLiOnS. AH ot'A,pwani
Higgh School track ineets are held Lit SI-Irroundint, area schools, which poses a
disadvantage to OUI- Student athletCS ZIS theV IICVCI- haVe tile OP110111-IllitV tO C()Illpcic it)
1'ront ol'the "horne" cro�vd.
Thank YOU Ior your tin-te and ef'l'orts Cor the Toxvil ol'Aumvim.
sincercly.
I otlis E. Conte
I)irectorol'Athletics. Pliv-sical LdLICItioll.
and StUdent Activities
Louis E. Conte Director of Athletics, Physical Education, and Student Activities
760 Cooper St. Agawam, MA 01001 TeL 413-821-0529 Fax 413-821-0592 1conte@agawampubficschoo1s.()rg
COMMONWEALTH OF
MASSACHUSETTS
Massachusetts Senate
STATEHOUSE, BOSTON 02133
lug�
Senaloi- Michael R. Knapik District Office
57 North Elm St.
The State House Westfield, MA 01085
Room 419 Phone: 413-562-6454
Boston, b1A 02133
Phone: 617-722-1415
iWicheiel.K)iapik((iDmase�iate.,QOV
Dear Local Official,
Over the last few weeks, I have received several requests asking for my help in
expediting the legislation allocating $200 million in Chapter 90 funds to cities and towns.
As you may know, the House and Senate versions of the Transportation Bond bill,
notwithstanding these funds, were immense, However, both branches agreed on the
importance of releasing these resources as soon as possible.
Therefore, 1, along with my Republican colleagues in the Senate, have sent a letter to the
Conference Committee charged with reconciling the difference between the two bond
bills, requesting that they release the bill in part so cities and towns can receive this
crucial money as soon as possible. I have provided a copy of the letter below.
Thank you for advocating on behalf of your communities. I will do my best to keep you
up-to-date on any developments regarding this most important issue. If you have any
questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Very truly yours,
MIKE
The Commonweafth of�Wassachusetts
State Senate Repubfican Caucus
State Yfouse, Boston, WA 02133-1054
May 22, 2012
The Honorable Thomas M. McGee, Senate Chairman
The Honorable William M. Straus, House Chairman
Transportation Bond Bill Conference Committee
State House, Room 134
Boston, MA 02133
Dear Chairman McGee and Chairman Straus:
We are writing to you regarding the ongoing conference committee deliberations
to resolve the differences between the House and Senate versions of the Transportation
Bond Bill.
While there are several points of contention in this bond bill that you are still
working out with your colleagues, we respectfully request that you issue a report, in part,
on the one provision of the bill that both branches can agree on: the release of Chapter 90
funding for the Commonwealth's 351 cities and towns.
Chapter 90 funding constitutes a critical component of local infrastructure and
public works projects that benefit all Massachusetts residents. The spring construction
season is already well underway, and municipalities are counting on the timely release of
this funding to assist with vital road and bridge repairs.
Releasing the Chapter 90 monies now will have the effect of stimulating the
economy and getting Massachusetts residents back to work. Therefore, we urge you to
expedite the release of Chapter 90 funding from conference committee.
Sincerely,
Bruce Tarr Robert Hedlund
State Senator State Senator
Michael Knapik Richard Ross
State Senator State Senator
cc: Transportation Bond Bill Conference Committee
()f A
AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL
j,
_36 MAIN STREFF
0 100 1
AGAWAA MASSACIAUSE'l
TED
,I Line 6, 2012
The I lollorilhic Sc[I'll()1,.1,1111 cs T, Welch
PREISIDENT Disirict Offilce
Christuphv�-C. Johnson 772 Union St-reci
\Vesl sprilluf IcId. NIA. 0 1089
VICL PRESIDEi.vr
Oenims J PerrY Re: TH-2012-30 - A IZQ.solulioll RequeNling). [lie Commonwealth of
INLISS' de "i S,
LCIMSCHS' LC11iSLkl0I-S SLII)I)(Jl'( 1*01- tile I Illilledi I S .1
COUNCILORS of tile Cimpler 90 Boild Legislation
Genrpe Bit_-as
Cecilia P Calabrese Dear ',�,Olwtor Welch.
P0211 C. Cavalk)
James 1". cichulti The Ai1,L\VRIll 'itV COU1161 VOIC('] WWI 11 ill 011 .11.flie 4. 2012 to
Gma A-f Leteffier C ' I
Rubert,4. illagovern SLIJ)1)01-t llic Resolution re(JUCS611U, 111.11 HIC C0111111011WClith 01'M,-iSSlC11uScttS'
Joseph Alineo Legislator,; support tile Immedime passa�c of' [lie S200 million Chapter Q0
13oiid 13111. A copy of the Comicif Resolution is allached for vo�jl,
Donald A1. RheavIt
Roberr E Rossi conven ience.
0111 I)CII-11 I'Of tile CilV COLHIC11. I Iill"-C VOU to ;1Ij)pOf1 (lie passauc of
ADNIENISTRATIVE thiS ICI�IiSlfll loll IS It \%'0LJld be ill Ow bQsl iillcrvsl.� Ofthe -.:ilizens ol'Auawafu
ASSISTANT lffld 111 COIII Ill Mill iC'-, �,iUoss lilt: Collilliolmeallh of' NIZISSachu'sefts. Thank
Bewhara A. Bard voll f'or vour cl'lorts Ill this rc,_,aal.
Ver\ trilk, \0LII'S.
/85
Chrlstc�p �er C. .1olillsoll
citY coulicil Presiclew
ccj/bl)
cc: Full council
N,Eiyor/ Solicitor
TELEPHONE
(413) 780-0400 Lu. 8714
FAX
(413) 7-16-91-117
EMA 11,
bbar64oxowam.ma us
FAG
-NCIL
M .,
AGAWAM CITY COU
-36 MAIN STREEI
T% -SEITS 01001
A(jA'WAN4, NCASSACHIJ
J une 6, 2012
The 1-101101"Ible Representative Nicholas Bold-�ga
IIRFSIDENT 3"j Hanip(len Disirict
Christopher C. Johnson Massachusetts stale Hollsu
Room 167
VICE PRESIDENT Boston. NIA. 02133-1 �-1
Dennis J. Perry
Re: TR-2012-30 - A Re.solution Rv(picsfing tile Commollwe.11111 of'
COUNCILORS NI-.ISN.ICIIIISV(b;' LCOiNI:1101-N SIJI)I)0I-1 1,61- file 1111mudiate hassaile
It, 21
Georgv BaZas of'I Ile -"Julpter 90 Bond Legislatioll
Ce�-rhu P. Calubrese
Paul C Cavallo Dem- Repivsewative Ilokk-a:
James P cichelti
Ginall Leleffier The A-awam City Council voted unanimously oil Jone 4. 2012 to
Robert.-I. Magovern Z7 I
JOSej)h;V1fh?CO suppoll thu Resokilion requesting, that tile Comillollwcalth 0j,�KIssacjlIIsct1s,
Donald it f Rhemell IX16SWOI-S SLJI)POI-t tile illIfIldiale passage of file $200 million Chapter 90
Roben C Rossi Bond Bill. A COI)N' 01' tile COLHICH : Re-SO1011011 IS �-Ittlldiccf for VOLII-
Coll vell iellc;c.
ADMIN'ISTRATIVF On lIchaffol'Ilic Ci1v Council, IjII,L-;e v0II to support the passat-c ol'
c�
ASSIS'TANT this Ic"Ish,111011 'IS it WOuld be III the bcsi interests Ofthe c1lizewof'Aaawam
Ba)-balw/I Bard ond all commmuties wross Ific Coil]Illol I%%ca 1111 of, IMnss.1chusetts. Thank
VOLI 101� VOW OTOI-t.; III thi;
h-Lik' V0111-S.
chrisloph�c.Vol 11
council President
CO/bb
cc: 1-till Coullcil
Mayor/ Solicitor
TEUPHONE
(4 3) 786-(14 00 Lvi. 8 776
FAX
(413) 726-9717
E'N 1 A 11,
hbtwd(�I)agawam 1110.
-OF AG
AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL
36 MAIN, STRFF--']-
AGA%VAN4. MASSACH USI-TTS 01001
J Ll I I e 6. 2 0 12 1
The Honorable Sellator Michael R. Knap'lk
PRESIDENT Massachusetts Suite 1-10LISe
Chrivopher C. Johnson Room 419
Boston. N I A. 02 113
VICF, PIUSIDENT
DenijilyJ R c TR-20 12-30- A Resolul i()ti Rcq tiesfing the Contmonweall 11 of'
assachusett-S, Legislators sillyfirt lor the I milledi;Ife
COUNCILORS I'(lie ch.1 plur 90 Bo Ild I x1--isLI I ion
George Bitzas
Cecilia P. Calabrese Dear Senator K napi k:
Pont C, Cavallo
n7
Jame,s I' Cichulti The A-awniil 01V ('01.111cil votcd ulmili'llously oil Jimic 4, 2012 (o
(;ina.41 Lelellier Support thk� Kcsoli.11ion reclucstliqg 111"ll Ific Commollwcz,11th of �'Vl'lssachlisclls'
Roberi A jklqgavern LQUIA1101-S thL' ill1liledulic 1xissaut: of flic S200 million Chapter 90
Joseph iltmeo
Donald.-Il Rheaull BOrld Bill. A cop� ol" [Ile Colincil Re-sohition Is all"Iched 101, VOW,
Roben E. Rossi collvc1l iellce�
Oil helial f of, 111c. cily coillicil, I tff-(-)e %'OLI tO SUPI)ON 111C J)�ISS�Qge t)l'
� -I
A DM I N V STRATI V E [III's le"Islatioll as it would lie III 111c bust irite-csts of'dle cilizem of'Agawam
ASSISTAN'r 'llid A Comm till i I ic" across 111c C01111116111\\'CZI 111) 01' NLIS-SIC11LISCUS, Thank
Barbara A. Bard VOU 1`61- V01,11-eft'011S ill thiS rel-lffl'd,
VCI-V 11111\1 VOLII'S.
chl ilop]
('it\' CO(IllCil I'I'00LIC1111
cc: F1111 COU1161
!Ivlayor/Sol icilot.
TELEPHONE
(413) 786-0400 Ext, 8716
FAX
(413 7 .6-9717
EMAIL
bbard,'apgaivain.ma.us
TR-2012-30
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE COMMONWEALTH OF
MASSACHUSETTS' LEGISLATORS SUPPORT THE IMMEDIATE PASSAGE
OF THE CHAPTER 90 BOND LEGISLATION
Sponsored by Councilor George Bitzas
WHEREAS, under state law, cities and towns are supposed to receive formal
notice of their Chapter 90 allocation by April 1" of each year; and
WHEREAS, cities and towns cannot sign contracts or commit their Chapter 90
funds until they receive these April 1" letters of authorization from the state; and
WHEREAS, the failure to pass the Chapter 90 bond bill has caused a 6-week
delay, stalling projects and shortening the construction season; and
WHEREAS, important projects could be delayed until next year, driving up the
costs and adding to the deterioration of local roads; and
WHEREAS, said legislation languishes in a Senate conference committee after
being unanimously passed by the House on March 28'h.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE AGAWAM CITY
COUNCIL requests the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' legislators end the delay and
support the immediate passage of the $200 million Chapter 90 bond bill.
Dated this day of JOW 2012.
1
PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL
Christopher C. Johq n--,-President
rAV:ED tATO FORM AND LEGALITY
Vincent F. eioscia, City Solicitor
CHAPTER 90 DELAYED IN CONFERENCE
COMMITTEE
Further Delays Will Shorten the Chapter 90 Construction Season
Please Call Your Senators and Representatives Today to End the
Impasse
Despite the fact that House and Senate members have each voted in support of a $200 million Chapter 90
program for fiscal year 2013, passage of this important legislation has been delayed by six weeks, lodged in a
conference committee that has been unable to reach agreement on other issues unrelated to Chapter 90.
Please call your Senators and Representatives today and ask them to end the delay and move the $200
million Chapter 90 bond legislation immediately.
Under state law, cities and towns are supposed to receive formal notice of their Chapter 90 allocation by April
-I of each year, allowing for adequate time to plan and use their Chapter 90 funds during the entire construction
season. Communities cannot sign contracts and commit their Chapter 90 funds until they receive these April I
letters of authorization from the state. Because of the failure to pass the Chapter 90 bond bill, cities and towns
have only received preliminary letters that will not become official until the bond bill and a "terms bill"are
signed into law. The 6-week delay is stalling projects and shortening the construction season for communities
across the state. If this continues, important projects could be delayed until next year, driving up costs and
adding to the deterioration of local roads.
The problems started earlier this year, Even though the Administration announced it would be filing a$200
million Chapter 90 bond bill last January, the.legislation was not filed with the Legislature until mid-March.
Further complicating matters, the Administration's bill included several major sections in addition to the $200
million for Chapter 90, including $1.3 billion for state projects and language creating a new infrastructure
bank,
Concerned that this larger $1.5 billion bill could slow down passage of the Chapter 90 component, on March
22 the Joint Committee on Transportation separated the legislation into two parts and issued a swift favorable
report for a Cha ter-90-only bill to fast-track it through the Legislature. The House immediately acted,
p
ushering the bill through two committees and passing it with a unanimous vote on March 28, beating the April
I deadline, a step deeply appreciated by local officials across the state.
The Senate then opted to hold another hearing on the legislation on April 5, and on April 12 the full Senate
amended the Chapter-90-only bill to add back the $1.3 billion in state projects. The House, which had not
'debated the $1.3 billion in state projects, urged the Senate to agree to the Chapter-90-only bill immediately'
with the $1.3 billion state project bill to be debated later in the session. The Senate held firm in itg position
and appointed a conference committee to resolve the impasse. Unfortunately, the $200 million Chapter 90 bill
has been stuck in the conference committee since ihat time.
PLEASE ASK YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES TO END THE DELAY AND PASS
THE S200 MILLION CHAPTER 90 BILL IMMEDIATELY
L
Pagel of2
barbar,p bard
From: Senator Michael R. Knapik [michael.knapik@masenate.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 2:27 PM
To: barbara bard
Subject: Chapter 90
COMMONWEALTH OF
MASSACHUSE7T5
Massachusetts Senate
STATEHOUSE, BOSTON 02133
Senator Michael R. Knapik District Office
57 North Elm St.
The State House Westfield , MA 01085
Room 419 Phone:4 13-562-6454
Bosinn. A4A 02133
Phone: 617-722-1415
AlichcieLKncipikna.i?ia.venate.�,oi
Dear Local Official,
Over the last few weeks, I have received several requests asking for my help in expediting the
legislation allocating $200 million in Chapter 90 funds to cities and towns. As you may know,
the House and Senate versions of the Transportation Bond bill, notwithstanding these funds,
were immense. However, both branches agreed on the importance of releasing these resources as
soon as possible.
Therefore, 1, along with my Republican colleagues in the Senate, have sent a letter to the
Conference Committee charged with reconciling the difference between the two bond bills,
requesting that they release the bill in part so cities and towns can receive this crucial money as
soon as possible. I have provided a copy of the letter below.
Thank you for advocating on behalf of your communities, I will do my best to keep you up-to-
date on any developments regarding this most important issue. If you have any questions, please
do not hesitate to contact my office.
Very truly yours,
MIKE
The Commonweafth of 9Vassachusetts
State SenateRepubfican Caucus
State House, Boston, MA 02133-1054
May
22, 2012
5/24/2012
Page 2 of 2
Ae'flonorable Thomas M. McGee, Senate Chairman
The Honorable William M. Straus, House Chairman
Transportation Bond Bill Conference Committee
State House, Room 134
Boston, MA 02133
Dear Chairman McGee and Chairman Straus:
We are writing to you regarding the ongoing conference committee deliberations to resolve the differences
between the House and Senate versions of the Transportation Bond Bill.
While there are several points of conten tion in this bond bill that you are still working out with your
colleagues, we respectfully request that you issue a report, in part, on the one provision of the bill that both branches
can agree on: the release of Chapter 90 funding for the Commonwealth's 351 cities and towns.
Chapter 90 funding constitutes a critical component of local infrastructure and public works projects that
benefit all Massachusetts residents. The spring const ruction season is already well underway, and municipalities are
counting on the timely release of this funding to assist with vital road and bridge repairs.
Releasing the Chapter 90 monies now will have the effect of stimulating the economy and getting
Massachusetts residents back to work. Therefore, we urge you to expedite the release of Chapter 90 funding from
conference committee.
< span style="font-family: "Times New Rornan","serif"; font-size: l2pt">
Sincerely,
Bruce Tarr Robert Hedlund
State Senator State Senator
Michael Knapik Richard Ross
State Senator State Senator
cc: Transportation Bond Bill Conference Committee
5/24/2012
TR-2012-30
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE COMMONWEALTH OF
MASSACHUSETTS' LEGISLATORS SUPPORT THE IMMEDIATE PASSAGE
OF THE'CHAPTER 90 BOND LEGISLATION
Sponsored by Councilor George Bitzas
WHEREAS, under,state law, cities and towns are supposed to receive fori-nal
notice of their Chapter 90 allocation by April I"of each year; and
WHEREAS, cities and towns cannot sign contracts or commit their Chapter 90
funds until they receive these April I" letters of authorization from the state; and
WHEREAS, the failure to pass the Chapter 90 bond bill has caused a 6-week
delay, stalling projects and shortening the construction season; and
WHEREAS, important projects could be delayed until next year, driving up the
costs and adding to the deterioration of local roads-, and
WHEREAS, said legislation languishes in a Senate conference committee after
being unanimously passed by the House on March 2e.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE AGAWAM CITY
COUNCIL requests the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' legislators end the delay and
support the immediate passage of the $200 million Chapter 90 bond bill.
Dated this day of 2012.
PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL
Christopher C. Johnson, President
T A VED A TO FORM AND LEGALITY
N
at
`0
Vincent F-17ifoscia, City Solicitor C,
CHAPTER 90 DELAYED IN CONFERENCE
COMMITTEE
Further Delays Will Shorten the Chapter 90 Construction Season
Please Call Your Senators and Representatives Today to End the
Impasse
!1"espite the fact that House and Senate members have each voted in support of a $200 million Chapter 90
program for fiscal year 2013, passage of this important legislation has been delayed by six weeks, lodged in a
conference committee that has been unable to reach agreement on other issues unrelated to Chapter 90.
Please call your Senators and Representatives today and ask them to end the delay and move the$200
million Chapter 90 bond legislation immediately.
Under state law, cities and towns are supposed to receive formal notice of their Chapter 90 allocation by April
,I of each year., allowing for adequate time to plan and use their Chapter 90 funds during the entire construction
season. Communities cannot sign contracts and commit their Chapter 90 funds until they receive these April I
letters of a uthorization from the state. Because of the failure to pass the Chapter 90 bond bill, cities and towns
1 have only received preliminary letters that will not become official until the bond bill and a "terms bill" are
isigned into law. The 6-week delay is stalling projects and shortening the construction season for communities
across the state. If this continues, important projects could be delayed until next year, driving up costs and
adding to the deterioration of local roads.
The problems started earlier this year. Even though the Administration announced it would be filing a $200
million Chapter 90 bond bill last January, the legislation was not filed with the Legislature until mid-March.
Further complicating matters, the Administration's bill included several major sections in addition to the $200
Imillion for Chapter 90, including $13) billion for state projects and language creating.a new infrastructure
ibank.
lConcerned that this larger $1 .5 billion bill could slow down passage of the Chapter 90 component, on March
�22 the Joint Committee on Transportation separated the legislation into two parts and issued a swift favorable
report for a Chapter-90-only bill to fast-track it through the Legislature. The House immediately acted,
ushering the bill through two committees and passing it with a unanimous vote on March 28, beating the April
I deadline, a step deeply appreciated by local officials across the state.
The Senate then opted to hold another hearing on the legislation on April 5, and on April 12 the full Senate
amended the Chapter-90-only bill to add back the $1.3 billion in state projects. The House, which had not
,debated the $1.3 billion in state projects, urged the Senate to agree to the Chapter-90-only bill immediately,
with the$1.3 billion state project bill to be debated later in the session. The Senate held firm in its position
,land appointed a conference committee to resolve the impasse. Unfortunately, the $200 million Chapter 90 bill
i!has been stuck in the conference committee since that time.
PLEASE ASK YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES TO END THE DELAY AND PASS
THE $200 MILLION CHAPTER 90 BILL IMMEDIATELY