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S 3064

An Act to build resilience for Massachusetts communities

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Massachusetts S.3064 funds rapid, statewide climate resilience and green infrastructure, from flood defenses and water systems to parks, trails, and environmental justice initiativ

Committee of conference appointed - (Finn-Barber-Sweezey) in concurrence
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Bill Summary · S 3064

Summary of Massachusetts S.3064 (194th Legislature)

Title: An Act to build resilience for Massachusetts communities

Status: Filed April 15, 2026. Emergency measure intended for immediate effect.

Purpose and intent
- Establish a comprehensive, multidimensional funding program to accelerate climate change adaptation, resiliency, and the preservation and improvement of environmental and recreational assets across the Commonwealth.
- Declares the act an emergency law to enable forthwith financing and implement measures without delay.
- Aims to reduce vulnerability to climate impacts (flooding, heat, storms), protect natural resources, expand access to livable green space, improve water quality and infrastructure, and support disadvantaged communities.

Key provisions and programs (budgetary authorizations)
- Overall funding window: Funds made available through sections 2–2G inclusive, in addition to previously authorized amounts, available until June 30, 2032.
- Broad program scope: Supports land conservation and acquisition, coastal and inland flood resilience, water infrastructure, environmental protection, parks and recreation, climate adaptation planning, and related capital projects.

Major agency/program areas and examples of allocations
- Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
- 2800-1123 Land acquisition and stewardship (coastal habitats, inland migration) – $40,000,000
- 2800-7024 Forestry and tree planting program (heat islands, underserved areas, water protection) – $20,000,000
- 2800-7026 Dam safety, coastal/marine infrastructure, flood resilience (Amelia Earhart dam priority) – $428,100,000
- 2840-7028 Park facilities, recreation infrastructure, water treatment upgrades, ADA accessibility, Havey Beach, Stony Brook reservation, Southwest Corridor improvements, etc. – $623,875,000
- 2890-7036 Transportation-related parkways, trails, bike/pedestrian safety, accessibility – $176,670,000
- 2000-7067 SE Regional prioritization and grants for capital projects; environmental resilience – $73,000,000
- 2000-7068 Tree planting/greening program; urban canopy – $10,000,000
- 2000-7076 Agriculture/commercial fishing/cranberry sector support for climate benefits; workforce and electrification – $22,000,000
- 2000-7078 MassTrails and accessible trails – $50,000,000
- 2000-7083 Coastal infrastructure, living shorelines, nature-based solutions; permits and grants – $231,750,000
- 2000-7086 Dams and inland flood control, dam safety, fish ways – $93,500,000
- 2000-7087 Land acquisition and conservation; open space, climate mitigation – $85,000,000
- 2000-7088 Municipal vulnerability preparedness grants; local hazard mitigation and adaptation planning – $510,000,000

  • Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)

    • 2200-7026 21E-related contamination response and management – $42,000,000
    • 2200-7027 Capital investments in air, water, land protection; indoor air quality pilot program – $32,800,000
    • 2200-7028 Waste facilities and composting/recycling programs – $28,100,000
    • 2200-7029 Clean water/drinking water infrastructure for PFAS and other hazards; Weymouth/Municipal investments; Arlington neighborhood improvements – $125,000,000
    • 2200-7030 Drinking water access in public schools; PFAS/lead mitigation; filtered water stations – $15,000,000
    • Additional DEP allocations for coastal/resilience, brownfield remediation, healthy soils, open spaces, and related programs totaling substantial to support climate resilience and water quality.

  • Department of Fish and Game and related ecosystem/restoration initiatives

    • 2300-0422 Land acquisition and stewardship; capital restoration on lands under care; interagency and tribal partnerships – $53,500,000
    • 2300-7029 Infrastructure for Fish and Game facilities; climate resiliency and accessibility – $15,000,000
    • 2300-7030 McLaughlin Fish Hatchery modernization – $20,000,000
    • 2300-7031 Ecological restoration capital programs; flood mitigation in the Connecticut River Valley; Assawompset pond watershed improvements – $105,500,000
    • 2300-7032 Coastal/inland access sites (boat launches, public access) – $10,000,000
    • 2300-7033 Marine fisheries resource conservation/restoration – $10,000,000
    • 2300-7034 Biodiversity-related capital grants; local biodiversity initiatives – $20,000,000

  • Office of the Secretary and cross-cutting EE&A infrastructure

    • 2000-7067 Improvements to EE&A holdings and capital projects in line with Hazard Mitigation/Climate Adaptation Plan – $73,000,000
    • 2000-7089 Local environmental, recreational, resiliency projects; comprehensive set of targeted allocations to cities, towns, and regional entities (numerous line-items across communities statewide) – extensive, with explicit allocations to dozens of municipalities and projects (specifics itemized within the bill text)

  • Notable project specifics highlighted in the bill

    • Amelia Earhart dam long-term coastal flood resilience – minimum $120,000,000
    • King's Beach water treatment system (Lynn) – no less than $25,000,000
    • Water/wastewater improvements across multiple towns (e.g., Ipswich river basin, Westfield West Parish plant, Lake Avenue pumping, Upper Blackstone, floodplains) – multi-million-dollar allocations
    • Coastal resilience and living shoreline projects; stormwater and flood risk reduction
    • Ocean acidification monitoring program; indoor air quality pilot; PFAS remediation in schools; water filtration infrastructure in schools
    • Grants to enhance trails, parks, and recreation assets; ADA-compliant infrastructure; and nature-based solutions

Affected entities
- State agencies: Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), Department of Fish and Game, and related divisions.
- Municipalities: Cities and towns statewide, with many specific earmarks to Chelsea, Lynn, Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Worcester, Springfield, Lynnfield, Barnstable, and numerous others.
- Public and private partners: Tribal governments, regional planning agencies, land trusts, conservation organizations, colleges/universities, and private landowners with covenants or permitting needs.

Procedural and timeline aspects
- Emergency nature: The act declares emergency status to enable immediate funding and implementation.
- Funding period: The proposed authorizations would be available until June 30, 2032, subject to disbursement laws.
- Implementation authority: The Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs provides guidance on project planning, prioritization, and implementation to align with Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation goals.
- Match/oversight: Some items allow local approvals (municipal votes) for projects on public or private land; others specify grant administration and eligibility criteria to ensure geographic and environmental equity.

Impact and intent
- Significantly expands capital investments in climate resilience, flood protection, coastal defenses, water quality, park and trail networks, and environmental justice prioritization.
- Aims to modernize critical infrastructure, reduce climate-related risks, create green jobs, and improve public health and accessibility across communities.
- The package encompasses both large-scale regional projects and numerous local improvements, signaling a broad, statewide approach to climate adaptation and environmental stewardship.

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

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