WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 2248

An Act relative to the building or rebuilding of bridges on land that falls under the jurisdiction of more than one municipality

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

Requires inter-municipal agreements for cross-boundary bridge work, forcing joint planning, cost sharing, buffers, and dispute rules before projects proceed.

Accompanied a study order, see H5118
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 2248

Summary: H 2248 – An Act relative to the building or rebuilding of bridges on land that falls under the jurisdiction of more than one municipality

Overview

H 2248, introduced February 27, 2025 by Representative Bruce J. Ayers (Quincy) and filed as House No. 2248, would amend Chapter 40 of the General Laws to require inter-municipal cooperation for certain bridge construction projects. Specifically, projects that involve building or rebuilding structures in or over navigable or tide waters that affect two or more municipalities would be subject to new inter-municipal agreement requirements (Section 40L). A hearing is scheduled for July 22, 2025 (B-1), with multiple calendar entries listed.

Purpose and Intent

  • Ensure cross-border planning and collaboration for bridge projects that extend across municipal boundaries.
  • Require formal inter-municipal agreements to address costs, environmental and community impacts, planning processes, and dispute resolution.
  • Promote coordination with state, regional, and municipal planning agencies, as well as inclusive participation (including citizen representatives and non-elected officials) in the planning process.

Key Provisions

1) Scope
- Applies to construction projects involving building structures in or over navigable or tide waters that affect two or more municipalities.

2) Inter-municipal Agreement Requirement
- No project may proceed until the affected municipalities enter into an inter-municipal agreement under this section.
- The agreement must establish a buffer zone around the construction, consider alternative options, evaluate cost/benefit and environmental benefits (short and long term), assist neighboring communities with infrastructure needs, and set binding joint planning procedures.
- Must consider impacts on nearby communities regarding quality of life, traffic, health, and environment.
- Must involve state, regional, and municipal planning agencies as facilitators; include citizen representatives and non-elected officials in participation.

3) Contents of the Agreement
- Names of participating cities/towns; effective date and term; general purpose.
- Clear statement of cost sharing, termination/amendment procedures, and acceptance of liability.
- Communications structure and dispute resolution process.
- Provisions for amendments and the ability to terminate participation.

4) Legislative and Executive Approval
- After majority approval by each participating municipality’s legislative body and the approval of each chief executive officer, the municipalities petition the General Court for approval.
- Upon approval by the General Court and the Governor, the inter-municipal agreement becomes binding, and the construction project may proceed under the agreement.

Affected Parties

  • Municipalities and regional authorities involved in cross-boundary bridge projects.
  • Residents and neighboring communities impacted by construction (via buffer zones, planning for quality of life, traffic, health, and environmental effects).
  • State/regional planning agencies and non-elected citizen participants involved in facilitation and joint planning.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025; referred to the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government (referred twice in early actions).
  • Similar matter previously filed (HD 2169; replaces).
  • Hearing scheduled: July 22, 2025 (1:00 PM–5:00 PM) in hearing room B-1 (records show multiple scheduling entries around July 9 and July 30, 2025).

Potential Impact

  • Encourages comprehensive, multi-jurisdiction planning and shared responsibility for costly bridge projects.
  • Could slow project initiation due to inter-municipal negotiations and approvals but aims to improve environmental outcomes, equity, and long-term infrastructure resilience.
  • Establishes formal dispute resolution and clear liability/cost-sharing frameworks to reduce intergovernmental conflict.

Related Information

  • Related bill: HD 2169 (replaces)
  • Similar matter previously filed in 2023–2024 session (House No. 2021).

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

Sign in to ask a question.