FY22 Resilient Infrastructure

The FY22 Capital Plan funds multiple projects that promote universal access to public spaces, including:

• An additional $25 million to support an expanded pedestrian ramp installation plan, supported by additional engineering positions on the operating fund
• $500,000 to design Massachusetts Avenue / Melnea Cass Boulevard intersection improvements focused on mobility and safety
• $1.5 million to replace existing bikeshare docks based on age and condition, along with continuing investments in the bikeshare program to help people access jobs, parks, and health services
• Nearly $14 million for dedicated bus lanes on Columbus Avenue and Warren Street, in order to prioritize reliable, rapid bus transit for all commuters
• $9.3 million for the design and reconstruction of pathways through Back Bay Fens and Dorchester Park to improve accessibility and site conditions

The FY22 budget also includes a raft of investments aimed at connecting residents with the streets in different ways, including:

• Funding for Open Streets programs, where, if public health guidance allows, residents will take over streets from cars. Activities would be reflective of the community and could include games, festivals, and music.
• A leadership academy for community leaders around transportation design. The goal will be to teach the community how active transit options and green infrastructure can strengthen neighborhoods.
• $1 million in post-COVID-19 mobility improvements to provide on-the-ground physical changes to make streets more accessible.
• Funding for additional engineers and planners to support Slow Streets, a project that improves street safety at the neighborhood scale by lowering speed limits and redesigning streets to address safety issues.