Sen. Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth), ranking member of the Joint Committee on Transportation, is reported that the committee heard testimony on the Transportation Bond Bill (H1854) on Wednesday afternoon, advancing the legislation one step closer to the House of Representatives for a vote. The bill authorizes $200 million in Ch. 90 funds to be disbursed to local cities and towns for municipal infrastructure, mainly road repairs, in FY2012.

This higher figure should result in more money for each town, which should mean an increase for Duxbury over the $422,507 it received for FY2011.

The sum represents an increase of $45 million over last year and a $60 million increase since FY2007. Following a harsh winter season that wreaked havoc on roads and bridges throughout the Commonwealth, H.1854 offers some relief to hundreds of communities daunted by repair projects and rising costs. Still, many are concerned it is not enough.

Representatives from the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Massachusetts Mayor’s Organization testified before the Transportation Committee on Wednesday that $300 million was a more realistic figure given the sheer quantity of infrastructure repairs facing the state.

Senator Hedlund was sympathetic. “I would love to see the final number closer to $300 million,” Hedlund said, “but I know that $200 million is an improvement and will still go a long way in paying for critical projects in districts throughout the state.”

Chapter 90 funding is allocated to cities and towns based on a formula accounting for the number of miles of local roadway, population, and the employment rate. Given a state law requiring that cities and towns be notified by April 1, the legislature will have to act quickly on the recommendations of the Transportation Committee to meet the deadline. The bill is headed to the House for initial legislative approval where, if authorized, will continue to the Senate before reaching the Governor’s desk.