Bill
HD 3297
Creates a 27-member commission to study and propose financing options and legislation to fund wastewater upgrades in 14 south-coast MA towns to cut nitrogen pollution.
Overview
- Purpose: Create a special legislative commission to identify and evaluate revenue sources to fund essential wastewater infrastructure improvements in response to nitrogen pollution on Massachusetts’ south coast.
- Geographic scope: Focused on 14 south-coast communities — Acushnet, Carver, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Lakeville, Gosnold, Marion, Mattapoisett, Middleborough, New Bedford, Plymouth, Rochester, Wareham, and Westport.
- Principal objective: Develop funding and financing recommendations that provide fair and equitable financing for wastewater improvements designed to reduce coastal nitrogen pollution.
What the bill would create
- A special legislative commission of 27 members empowered to study and propose financing options for wastewater infrastructure needs.
- The commission would have authority to engage outside experts to conduct analyses, review options, and draft legislation necessary to implement recommended funding approaches.
Key provisions and duties
- Priorities for study include:
- Expanding sewer infrastructure to connect more septic systems to sewerage.
- Expanding capacity and upgrading existing wastewater treatment facilities.
- Constructing additional wastewater treatment facilities to service expanded areas.
- Reducing Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) discharges.
- Upgrading septic systems to nitrogen-reducing technologies.
- Financial focus includes:
- Identifying potential revenue sources, including new fees or taxes, to fund necessary improvements.
- Assessing the finances of the affected cities and towns to inform policy recommendations and financial procedures.
- Deliverables:
- A written report detailing identified funding sources and financing recommendations, plus drafts of legislation needed to enact those recommendations.
- The commission may hold public hearings and utilize experts to inform its findings.
Membership and timeline
- Composition: 27 members, including:
- Co-chairs: House and Senate chairs of the Joint Committee on Natural Resources and the Environment.
- Additional ex officio and designee members: chairs of Ways and Means (Senate and House), secretaries of Energy and Environmental Affairs and Administration and Finance, State Treasurer, Executive Directors of regional and local organizations, and representatives from the affected communities (including 1 appointee from each of the 14 towns) plus additional appointments from Senate/House leadership.
- Appointments: All appointees due within 30 days of the act’s effective date.
- meetings: First meeting within 45 days after all appointments are made.
Reporting and timeline
- Initial report due: Not later than 1 year after the act’s effective date.
- The initial report must present identified funding sources, financing recommendations, and drafts of relevant legislation to Members, the Governor, and key fiscal/Environment committees.
Potential impact
- Creates a formal, data-driven path to fund wastewater infrastructure aimed at reducing nitrogen pollution in south-coast coastal waters.
- Could influence future state and local budgeting, rate structures, and legislative actions related to wastewater financing.
- Affects the 14 specified communities by guiding financing decisions and potential policy changes that would support expanded sewer service, upgraded treatment, and septic-system modernization.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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