MA H3628

MassDOT and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs must convene a working group to evaluate safe, efficient, and environmentally sound maintenance of unpaved (dirt and gravel) roads and paved low volume roads (LVRs)

Working group must develop a database of unpaved roads and LVRs, collect 5-year maintenance cost data for municipalities in counties where unpaved roads exceed 20% of total roadway mileage, and examine climate change impacts on maintenance costs

Working group must identify existing funding streams, potential funding gaps, and research national best practices including state-funded maintenance programs from other states

Members include co-chairs from Transportation and Energy/Environmental Affairs secretaries, plus representatives from Revenue, Public Safety, Rural Policy Advisory Commission, Massachusetts Highway Association, MMA, UMass Amherst Transportation Center, and Conservation Commissions

First meeting required by January 1, 2026, with final report due to legislative committees by June 30, 2026