THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023 Page 5 Legislature passes bill authorizing Chapter 90 funding Makes investments in roads, bridges, public transportation and regional transit authorities O n July 27, 2023, the Massachusetts Legislature unanimously enacted a bill that includes $375 million in bond authorizations for transportation needs across the state, including $200 million for the state’s Chapter 90 program, which provides municipalities with a reliable funding source for transportation-related improvements, including road and bridge repairs. After the bill was enacted, it was laid before the Governor for her consideration. “Providing funding for critical infrastructure projects through investments in the Commonwealth’s public transportation, roads, and bridges is one of the most important responsibilities that we have as members of the Legislature,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m proud of the support for regional infrastructure that this legislation provides, and of the gram • a bus transit infrastructure program • grants to increase access to mass transit and commuter rail stations • grants for municipalities and regional transit authorities to purchase electric vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support them • funding for pavement and JESSICA GIANNINO State Representative funding that it allocates for the purchasing of electric vehicles by transit authorities. I want to thank Chairman Straus and my colleagues in the House, as well as Senate President Spilka and our partners in the Senate, for prioritizing this vital legislation.” JEFFREY ROSARIO TURCO State Representative This legislation also authorizes $175 million in programs that will support various transportation-related projects. This includes $25 million for each of the following: • the municipal small bridge program • the Complete Streets proChelsea Man Arrested for Unlawful Trafficking of Machinegun Conversion Devices BOSTON – A Chelsea man was arrested Wednesday in connection with illegally selling machinegun conversion devices. Michael Williams, 49, was charged with one count of transferring or possessing a machine gun. Williams will appear in federal court in Boston at 3 p.m. this afternoon. According to the charging documents, in January 2023, Williams agreed to sell several machine gun conversion devices and other fi rearm accessories to an undercover federal agent. It is alleged that, following a series of communications, Williams met the undercover agent twice at a pre-arranged location. It is further alleged that on Jan. 12, 2023, Williams sold the fi rst machinegun conversion device to the undercover agent and the following day, on Jan. 13, 2023, Williams sold two additional machine conversion devices to the undercover agent. The charge of unlawful transferring or possession of a machinegun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fi ne of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Chelsea Police Chief Keith Houghton made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. surface improvements on state and municipal roadways • new funding dedicated to additional transportation support based on road mileage, which is particularly helpful for rural communities “Safe, effi cient, and reliable transit networks are critical for our state’s pandemic recovery, and make our communities more accessible for everyone,” said State Senator Lydia Edwards (D-Boston). “Thank you Senate President Karen Spilka, Senate Chair Brendan Crighton, House Speaker Ron MariGerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 ano, and House Chair Strauss for prioritizing these investments.” “I am pleased to work with my colleagues at the state level and at the local level to ensure that an adequate amount of funding is available to improve the roadway conditions in our cities and towns. The people of Revere and Winthrop deserve nothing less,” said State Representative Jeff rey Rosario Turco (D-Winthrop and Revere). “This legislation will support the safety and reliability of the aging infrastructure throughout Massachusetts,” said State Representative Jessica Giannino (D-Revere). “Between harsh winters and heavy transit, our roadways and bridges regularly endure weathering. This much needed funding will be pivotal in aiding the health of transportation-related projects in Revere and municipalities across the Commonwealth.”
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