“Unprecedented investment in America’s cities” praised Mayor Thomas Menino of Boston after meeting with President Obama and 85 other city mayors at the White House last Friday, February 20.

Massachusetts’s infrastructure is set to receive an approximated $1.13 billion from the state’s allocation of Obama’s economic stimulus package. From that, $319.7 million will go towards “Transit Formula Funding” designed for investments in mass transit.

The Boston Globe reported earlier in the week that city officials estimated the city could receive “at least $125 million from the federal stimulus package, including $69 million for schools, $30 million for housing, and $5 million for police. But officials said most of that money was directed toward infrastructure improvements.”

Menino’s original stimulus package wish list to Congress focused on more road improvements as well.

That would leave $21 million for urban infrastructure investment after schools, housing and police. Hopefully Beantown might receive a few more bike lanes…

A state-by-state break down of the estimated economic recovery plan is available on the White House’s website. Menino’s office is scheduling to release a local version for Boston residents to illustrate how and where the money will be spent.

Mayor Menino started cycling last year and has realized the health, economic and environmental benefits of two wheel transportation. His appointment of local resident and 2000 Olympic cyclist Nicole Freedman, as Boston’s new Bike Coordinator, supports his dedicated claim to “make Boston a world-class bicycling city.”

Time will only tell when and if he can put his money where his mouth is…

Related posts:

1. Blueprint America – Stimulus Roadblock
2. Biking Made Easier (a little) In Boston
3. Tracking my package
4. Boston Bike-Share Program 2010 Eliminates 750 Tons of Greenhouse Gas
5. Boston University Students Build Bike Share Program