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HD 2166

An Act relative to community preservation funds for coastal infrastructure

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Ayers

Massachusetts bill allowing coastal municipalities to establish dedicated preservation funds via property tax surcharges for climate resilience and coastal infrastructure projects.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 2166

Legislative bill overview

HD 2166 establishes a mechanism for municipalities to create community preservation funds dedicated to coastal infrastructure projects. The bill allows local governments to set aside revenues through property tax surcharges or other dedicated funding sources to build resilience against sea-level rise, storm surge, and erosion. These funds would support projects like seawalls, improved drainage systems, nature-based solutions, and other infrastructure adaptations.

Why is this important

Coastal Massachusetts faces increasing threats from climate change and extreme weather, with communities currently competing for limited state and federal funding for adaptation projects. By enabling municipalities to establish their own preservation funds, the bill provides local control and financial flexibility to address immediate vulnerabilities before damage occurs. This proactive approach could reduce long-term disaster recovery costs and protect property values, public safety, and local economies.

Potential points of contention

  • Property tax impact: Surcharges to fund these initiatives may burden homeowners and renters in coastal communities, raising equity concerns about who bears adaptation costs
  • Municipal capacity variance: Wealthier coastal towns may fund robust infrastructure while less affluent communities lack resources, potentially widening resilience gaps
  • Funding mechanism clarity: The bill's specifics on allowable revenue sources, spending oversight, and state oversight requirements would determine effectiveness and prevent misuse

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

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