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SD 2036

An Act authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to convey an easement across certain property in the Dorchester section of the city of Boston to the Boston Gas Company

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Nick Collins

Authorizes DCAMM to grant a non-exclusive easement on UMass Boston land at 100 Morrissey Blvd to Boston Gas Co. for an underground gas network, based on appraisal.

House concurred
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 2036

Summary: Senate Bill SD 2036

Overview

SD 2036, titled “An Act authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to convey an easement across certain property in the Dorchester section of the city of Boston to the Boston Gas Company,” seeks authorization to grant a non-exclusive easement for a natural gas distribution system. The bill was introduced February 27, 2025, and the House has concurred with the Senate version. The bill overrides certain provisions of general or specific law to allow this conveyance.

What the bill would do

  • Authorizes the commissioner of the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), in consultation with the University of Massachusetts Boston chancellor, to convey a non-exclusive easement to Boston Gas Company (or successors/affiliates) for an underground gas distribution system.
  • The easement covers property located at 100 Morrissey Boulevard in Dorchester, on land previously taken for the University of Massachusetts and identified as “Parcel F” in a 1969 order/take.
  • Purpose of the easement is to install, construct, maintain, and operate a gas distribution network, including access across the property (Morrissey and Bianculli Boulevards to the easement area) by foot or vehicle as needed.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 1: Grants authority to convey the easement despite certain existing laws; specifies the scope of the easement and the exact parcel (Parcel F) and the approximate easement area (about 5,425 square feet). Requires the right of passage to and from Morrissey Boulevard and Bianculli Boulevard.
  • Section 2: The grantee is responsible for all costs (engineering, appraisals, surveys, deed preparation) associated with the conveyance. The easement must follow Boston Gas Company’s standard form, aligned with its distribution terms and the Department of Public Utilities approval.
  • Section 3: Consideration must be the greater of fair market value or value in proposed use. Requires an appraisal by a qualified appraiser, with the inspector general reviewing the appraisal methodology and providing a report. The commissioner must share appraisal materials, IG review, and comments with Ways and Means and the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight before execution.
  • Section 4: Creates a separate, non-budgeted special revenue fund—UMass Boston Morrisey Boulevard Easement Fund—administered by the UMass Boston chancellor. Fund sources include proceeds from the conveyance, external contributions, and earned interest. Expenditures are for University of Massachusetts Boston purposes, with carryover of unspent balances; the fund terminates when all money is spent.

Affected parties and impacts

  • Affected property: Parcel F, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester (UMass Boston land).
  • Primary beneficiary: Boston Gas Company (and successors/affiliates) for the gas distribution infrastructure.
  • Governing/oversight bodies: DCAMM, UMass Boston chancellor, inspector general, and the state’s Ways and Means and Regulatory Oversight committees.
  • Fiscal impact: Creation of a dedicated, non-budgeted special revenue fund to receive proceeds and manage subsequent expenditures for UMass Boston-related purposes.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Filed: January 17, 2025 (Senate Docket No. 2036).
  • Legislative actions recorded: Referred to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight on 2025-02-27; House concurred on 2025-02-27.
  • Status indicates the House has concurred with the Senate version; not a final enactment note included.

Bottom line

The bill facilitates a targeted land easement transaction enabling Boston Gas Company to operate and maintain an underground gas distribution network on a UMass Boston parcel, with appraisal-based compensation, IG review, and a dedicated fund to manage proceeds and related university uses.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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