Boston, September 19, 2025
News Summary
The US Department of Transportation has withdrawn $22 million in federal funding allocated for two significant transportation projects in Boston, specifically the Roxbury roadways revamp and the Mattapan Square improvements. This cancellation reflects a shift in federal priorities towards traditional infrastructure and away from alternatives that promote pedestrian-friendly investments. Boston officials have expressed concern regarding the impact of this decision on local communities, particularly Black and Brown neighborhoods, and are now exploring alternative funding sources.
Boston
The US Department of Transportation retracted a total of $22 million in funding for two transportation projects in Boston. The move included a $20 million grant for the Roxbury roadways revamp and a $2 million grant for work in Mattapan Square, and was communicated to Boston city officials via two separate letters last week.
Key details up front
A $20 million grant for the Roxbury roadways revamp was pulled by the Trump administration. The same day, the DOT also withdrew $2 million allocated for reworking Mattapan Square. The cancellations indicate a shift in federal commitment to transportation projects in Boston and reflect new priorities set by the Department of Transportation.
Why the grants were withdrawn
The DOT cited new priorities focusing on traditional energy sources and taxpayer dollar efficiency as reasons for the cancellations. The DOT’s letter indicated that projects encouraging alternatives to motor vehicles no longer matched the agency’s objectives. Project plans for Roxbury included electric vehicle charging infrastructure, which was deemed misaligned with new DOT goals.
What the projects would have done
The Roxbury project, named “Roxbury Resilient Corridors,” aimed to transform major roadways into more pedestrian-friendly areas. The planned improvements included installing bus and bike lanes, new sidewalks, and upgraded bus shelters. The Roxbury project was intended to enhance community resilience and improve local climate conditions.
The Mattapan project intended to improve access for residents and promote environmental, social, and economic well-being. The total estimated cost of the Mattapan project was pegged at $16 million, with a $2 million grant received on January 10 through the DOT’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot program.
Local and political reaction
Boston city officials were informed of the cancellations via two separate letters last week. The city’s spokesperson criticized the decision, stating that it disregards Congress’s intent and indicated they are considering their options. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and State Senator Liz Miranda condemned the federal government’s decision, emphasizing its negative impact on Black and Brown communities. City officials said the cancellations of federal grants were detrimental to ongoing urban development efforts.
Federal context and wider effects
The Biden administration had previously contributed $20 million for the Roxbury project through the RAISE grant program in August 2022. Other localities in the U.S. reported similar grant cancellations from the DOT during the same month, indicating the change is not isolated to Boston. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had previously described reforms aimed at prioritizing traditional infrastructure and safety over what he termed “woke” policies.
Observers and officials note that federal transportation priorities have shifted to focus more on expanding roadway capacity for motor vehicles over innovative, multimodal solutions. City officials and project planners say this shift undermines efforts to build more pedestrian-friendly, transit-oriented, and climate-resilient urban corridors.
What happens next
City leaders are reviewing options, including seeking alternative funding sources and reassessing project timelines. Officials have also emphasized the potential long-term impacts on community access, safety, and climate resilience if the projects are not rebuilt or replaced by other investments.
FAQ
Q: How much funding was retracted?
A: The US Department of Transportation retracted a total of $22 million in funding for two transportation projects in Boston.
Q: Which specific grants were withdrawn?
A: A $20 million grant for the Roxbury roadways revamp was pulled by the Trump administration. The same day, the DOT also withdrew $2 million allocated for reworking Mattapan Square.
Q: How were local officials notified?
A: Boston city officials were informed of the cancellations via two separate letters last week.
Q: Why did the DOT cancel the grants?
A: The DOT cited new priorities focusing on traditional energy sources and taxpayer dollar efficiency as reasons for the cancellations. The DOT’s letter indicated that projects encouraging alternatives to motor vehicles no longer matched the agency’s objectives.
Q: What did the Roxbury project plan to include?
A: The Roxbury project, named “Roxbury Resilient Corridors,” aimed to transform major roadways into more pedestrian-friendly areas. The planned improvements included installing bus and bike lanes, new sidewalks, and upgraded bus shelters. Project plans for Roxbury included electric vehicle charging infrastructure, which was deemed misaligned with new DOT goals. The Roxbury project was intended to enhance community resilience and improve local climate conditions.
Q: What was the scope and funding for the Mattapan project?
A: The Mattapan project intended to improve access for residents and promote environmental, social, and economic well-being. The total estimated cost of the Mattapan project was pegged at $16 million, with a $2 million grant received on January 10 through the DOT’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot program.
Q: Were similar cancellations happening elsewhere?
A: Other localities in the U.S. reported similar grant cancellations from the DOT during the same month.
Q: What prior federal support existed for Roxbury?
A: The Biden administration had previously contributed $20 million for the Roxbury project through the RAISE grant program in August 2022.
Q: How have elected officials reacted?
A: Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and State Senator Liz Miranda condemned the federal government’s decision, emphasizing its negative impact on Black and Brown communities. The city’s spokesperson criticized the decision, stating that it disregards Congress’s intent and indicated they are considering their options.
Q: What does this say about federal transportation priorities?
A: Federal transportation priorities have shifted to focus more on expanding roadway capacity for motor vehicles over innovative, multimodal solutions. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had previously described reforms aimed at prioritizing traditional infrastructure and safety over what he termed “woke” policies.
Quick reference table
| Project | Federal Grant | Total Project Cost | Program / Date | Status | Key planned features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roxbury Resilient Corridors | $20 million | Not specified in full in available data | RAISE grant program / August 2022 | Grant retracted | Bus and bike lanes, new sidewalks, upgraded bus shelters, electric vehicle charging infrastructure |
| Mattapan Square reworking | $2 million | $16 million (total estimated cost) | DOT’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot program / January 10 | Grant retracted | Improved access for residents; environmental, social, and economic well-being |
| Combined Boston impact | $22 million (total retracted) | — | Noted via two separate letters last week | Grants withdrawn | Shift away from multimodal and EV-related investments toward traditional infrastructure priorities |
For updates, city officials say they are reviewing next steps and potential alternative funding sources to continue planning and development work on both projects.
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Additional Resources
- Boston Globe
- Axios
- Boston Herald
- MassLive
- Bloomberg
- Wikipedia: Transportation in Boston
- Google Search: Boston transportation funding
- Google Scholar: Boston transportation projects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public transportation
- Google News: Boston transportation news
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