FY2014 - FY2018 Capital Investment Plan
Report - Investment Category - Transportation

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is responsible for the management and oversight of the statewide transportation network of roads, bridges, tunnels and airports.  The Department is organized into five divisions – Registry, Aeronautics, Rail & Transit (including the MBTA), Highway and the Office of the Secretary.

Over the last two years MassDOT and the MBTA have engaged in a statewide discussion with residents, business leaders, legislative leadership and members and stakeholders to assess the condition of the Commonwealth’s transportation network and develop recommendations for moving the system forward to support a 21st century economy.  In January 2013, the Patrick Administration released The Way Forward to improve the customer’s experience, promote continued economic growth, provide congestion relief, increase passenger capacity and save money.  As drafted, this ten-year $13 B capital investment plan would have reduced congestion on our roads, delays and crowding on our public transportation system, modernized antiquated systems and invest in targeted expansion projects that create jobs and economic development across the Commonwealth.  In July 2013, the Legislature approved a transportation finance plan that generated nearly half of the Governor’s proposed funding for additional capital investment.  Several of the Administration’s goals are reflected in this final legislation package, but the reduced level of investment means that many worthy projects identified by residents and customers across the Commonwealth will continue to be deferred.  Furthermore, many projects proposed in this capital plan require further legislative bond authorization in order to move forward with implementation.

In 2013, the Project Selection Advisory Council was created to meet and establish new statewide project selection criteria. The Council, consisting of eight appointed members, will establish the criteria and goals to guide the development of future capital plans, including prioritized project listings that clearly articulate why projects are advanced for funding.  These criteria will be published after the Council has completed its work.

While the Council develops these criteria, the Commonwealth must move forward to address known challenges within the Commonwealth’s transportation network. The Fiscal Year 2014-2018 Capital Investment Plan, pending legislative approval of bond authorization, begins to use the new capacity created by the 2013 Transportation Finance legislation to strategically provide meaningful improvements across the Commonwealth.  The publication of this budget will be followed by a more detailed MassDOT capital investment plan. These plans will facilitate the completion of critical projects to mitigate daily impacts on millions of residents and visitors.

The investments highlighted in this Five-Year Capital Investment Plan are based in large part by feedback from MassDOT’s customers – residents of and visitors to the Commonwealth.  Over the past two years, MassDOT participated in over 36 public meetings, hearings and community forums to discuss what transportation system the Commonwealth needs – both now and in the future. The feedback from these meetings and other public engagement process has informed the following criteria to guide the investments made in this plan.  These criteria are: projects must improve safety for customers and staff, promote job growth and foster economic development, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support housing and commercial development and ensure that all portions of the Commonwealth have equitable access to high quality transportation options.

The following graph reflects the Administration's estimated capital investment in transportation capital projects and programs over the next five years, as compared to fiscal years 2007 and 2013 transportation related spending.

Vertical bar chart showing amounts spent or planned for Transportation projects for FY07 through FY18, from sources State Bond Cap, Federal Funds, Build Mass Bonds, Accelerated Bridge Program, Pay-As-You-Go, Other Funds.

Administration Accomplishments to Date

FY2014 Highlights

(Subject to legislative approval of a transportation bond bill)