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SD 4014

An Act authorizing the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game to convey easements over certain parcels of land

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dylan Fernandes and 1 co-sponsor

The bill enables Algonquin Gas to obtain a 50-foot easement on conservation lands while requiring replacement land of equal or greater conservation value and an appraised compensat

Referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently
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Bill Summary · SD 4014

Summary of SB/SD 4014 (Session: 194th, MA)

Purpose and intent

  • Authorizes the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, acting through the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, to convey certain easements and related rights to Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC for the construction, maintenance, and operation of natural gas pipelines.
  • The bill is framed as ensuring a net preservation of Article 97 lands (land and water resources set aside for conservation) by requiring replacement land of equal or greater natural resource value.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 1(a): Creates authority to convey a 50-foot-wide permanent right-of-way and easements to Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC for natural gas transmission and related access roads. The conveyance would occur on lands currently held for fish and wildlife conservation, natural habitat protection, and public recreation, subject to Article 97 protections.
  • Section 1(b): Specifies the location and size of the affected parcels within Joint Base Cape Cod, totaling roughly 5.272 acres, based on specific parcel numbers and plans prepared by Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. dates August 1, 2025.
  • Section 2: Requires in exchange a land replacement: Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC must convey to the Department of Fish and Game a parcel of equal or greater natural resource value and acreage (approximately 7.00 acres) identified in a plan related to a Stop & Shop property in Bourne, MA, to maintain Article 97 commitments.
  • Section 3: Provides parallel authority (in addition to Section 1) to convey a 50-foot-wide permanent right-of-way and easements for the same purposes within additional areas that fall inside existing Eversource easements, including specific parcels at Joint Base Cape Cod and another parcel within the Department of Fish and Game (Parcel 10.0_7_0).
  • Section 3(b): Details the locations/geographies of the additional easement areas, including plans and tract identifiers.
  • Section 4: Establishes an independent appraisal process to determine full and fair market value (or value in use) for the easements. Algonquin must compensate the Commonwealth at least the appraisal value. The process includes:
    • Appraisals commissioned by the Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance.
    • The ability to accept pre-existing appraisals if acceptable to the department.
    • All appraisal-related costs borne by Algonquin.
    • Appraisals and compensation money deposited into the Commonwealth’s general fund.
    • Review by the Inspector General (IG), including methodology review, with IG findings reported to the relevant legislative committees.
    • The Commissioner must provide appraisals, IG review, and related documents to Ways and Means and Bonding/State Assets committees before execution.
  • Section 5: Takes effect upon passage.

Who would be affected

  • State agencies: Department of Fish and Game; Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance.
  • Private entity: Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC (gas transmission operator) as the recipient of the easements and the obligor of monetary compensation.
  • Public lands involved: Portions of Joint Base Cape Cod lands and other parcels currently managed for conservation, habitat protection, and recreation under Article 97.
  • Oversight entities: Massachusetts Inspector General; House and Senate Ways and Means; Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Appraisal process and IG review introduce a formal timeline for valuation, review, and reporting prior to final conveyances.
  • The act references plans dated August 1, 2025 for the initial parcels and May 20, 2026 for replacement land plans, indicating the anticipated land survey/plan documentation integral to the transfers.
  • Effective date: Upon passage.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Environmental/conservation balance: The bill seeks to exchange Article 97 lands with replacement land of at least equivalent conservation value, maintaining net conservation benefits while enabling critical energy infrastructure.
  • Financial: Compensation to the Commonwealth is required to reflect appraised value, with funding directed to the general fund.
  • Public access and habitat protections: Transfers are conditioned on continued alignment with Article 97 protections and consistent with conservation and recreational purposes.

If you’d like, I can provide a one-page briefing for policymakers or a plain-language flyer for the public.

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

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