An Act authorizing the town of Billerica to transfer control of certain land of the town situated in the town of Billerica for recreational purposes for the purposes of constructing the Yankee Doodle Bike Path

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Cindy Friedman and 1 co-sponsor

HD 4854: An Act authorizing the town of Billerica to transfer control of certain land for the Yankee Doodle Bike PathOverview- Bill Number: HD 4854- Title: An Act authorizing the t

HD 4854: An Act authorizing the town of Billerica to transfer control of certain land for the Yankee Doodle Bike Path

Overview
- Bill Number: HD 4854
- Title: An Act authorizing the town of Billerica to transfer control of certain land of the town situated in the town of Billerica for recreational purposes for the purposes of constructing the Yankee Doodle Bike Path
- Status: Proposed bill
- Introduced: November 29, 2025

Purpose and Intent
This bill aims to authorize the town of Billerica to transfer control of certain municipal land to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) for the purpose of constructing the Yankee Doodle Bike Path. The bike path is envisioned as a new recreational trail that will connect the towns of Billerica and Chelmsford, providing residents with an alternative transportation and leisure option.

Key Provisions
- Authorizes the town of Billerica to transfer control of a specific parcel of town-owned land to the DCR
- Requires the DCR to use the transferred land for the construction and operation of the Yankee Doodle Bike Path
- Stipulates that the land transfer must be at no cost to the DCR or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Mandates that the bike path be designed and constructed in a manner that preserves the natural and historic character of the area
- Requires the DCR to maintain the bike path and associated infrastructure after construction is complete

Affected Parties and Impacts
- The town of Billerica will transfer control of municipal land to the state for the bike path project
- Residents of Billerica and Chelmsford will gain access to a new recreational trail for walking, cycling, and other activities
- The DCR will be responsible for overseeing the construction and long-term maintenance of the Yankee Doodle Bike Path

Procedural and Timeline Considerations
This bill has been introduced in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and is currently awaiting committee assignment and further legislative action. If passed, the land transfer and bike path construction would need to be completed within 3 years of the bill's effective date. The DCR would then be responsible for the ongoing upkeep and operation of the Yankee Doodle Bike Path.