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S 3050

An Act to build resilience for Massachusetts communities

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

The bill authorizes about $3.64 billion in bonds to fund climate resilience, flood protection, water and environmental infrastructure, and habitat conservation across Massachusetts

Reprinted, as amended, see S3064
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Bill Summary · S 3050

Summary of Senate Bill S.3050 (Session 194th) – An Act to Build Resilience for Massachusetts Communities

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill establishes a comprehensive, multi-agency program to address climate change adaptation, resilience, and the preservation and enhancement of environmental and recreation assets in Massachusetts.
  • It authorizes bond obligations totaling approximately $3.64 billion to fund a wide range of capital projects and programs aimed at climate resilience, hazard mitigation, environmental protection, and related infrastructure.

Key Provisions and Changes

Funding and Duration

  • Authorizes bonding for climate adaptation and resiliency initiatives.
  • Funds are available through June 30, 2032, and are in addition to previously authorized amounts.

Major Implementation Areas (Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs)

  • Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR): Large slate of investments including land acquisition and stewardship, coastal habitat access, inland movement of coastal habitats, dams and flood control improvements, and coastal infrastructure. Notable items include:
    • 40,000,000 for land acquisition and stewardship.
    • 428,100,000 for dams, coastal infrastructure, and flood resilience (includes at least 120,000,000 for Amelia Earhart dam improvements).
    • 176,670,000 for roadway/bridge/path infrastructure with climate adaptation considerations.
    • 612,375,000 for a Lynn water treatment system at King’s Beach.
  • Department of Environmental Protection (Mass DEP):
    • 42,000,000 for oil/hazardous material response and 27,800,000 for capital investments in air, water, and climate projects.
    • 28,100,000 for solid waste facility improvements and recycling programs.
    • 120,000,000 for clean water/drinking water infrastructure addressing PFAS contamination and other threats.
  • Department of Fish and Game (MassWildlife/Divisions):
    • 53,500,000 for land acquisition and capital stewardship.
    • 95,000,000 for flood mitigation and ecosystem restoration in river valleys (Connecticut River Valley emphasis) and regional projects.
    • 15,000,000 for infrastructure and equipment improvements; 20,000,000 for hatchery rehabilitation; 5,000,000 for marine/fisheries restoration; 20,000,000 for biodiversity and conservation initiatives.
  • Other notable DEP-related and cross-agency items:
    • Tree planting/greening programs (10,000,000) to improve urban tree canopy and heat island mitigation.
    • MassTrails and greenways expansion (50,000,000) with accessibility requirements.
    • Healthy soils program (at least 5,500,000) and healthy soils-related grants (as part of broader land and water initiatives).

Additional Provisions and Administrative Measures

  • Creates new governance and oversight for project design, prioritization, and implementation aligned with the Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan.
  • Establishes grant programs and loan/financial assistance to municipalities, land trusts, tribal governments, and nonpublic entities.
  • Sets minimum allocations and project-specific requirements to ensure climate resilience, public health, and equity considerations (including support for disadvantaged populations).

New Authorities and Reforms

  • Establishes a Quabbin Host Community Trust Fund (non-budgeted special revenue fund) to support municipalities within the Quabbin Reservoir watershed. The fund:
    • Receives designated appropriations, gifts, settlements, and interest.
    • Expends funds without further appropriations, with annual reporting by the secretary.
  • Adds new chapters and sections to the General Laws, including provisions related to forest reserves, land designation for ecological and climate purposes, and expanded regulatory authority for the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Who Is Affected

  • State agencies (primarily EEA, DCR, MassDEP, MassWildlife) and their projects.
  • Municipalities, regional planning agencies, tribal governments, land trusts, and private landowners participating in conservation, recreation, and resilience projects.
  • Residents and communities benefiting from improved flood protection, water quality, trails, green infrastructure, and climate adaptation planning.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Funds available through June 30, 2032.
  • Various items specify project prioritization, design/construction timelines, and required compliance with hazard mitigation and climate adaptation planning.
  • New reporting requirements for the Quabbin Fund and programmatic oversight across agencies.

Note: This summary highlights the bill’s substantive provisions and impact. For specifics on each line item (dollar amounts by account, project sites, and regulatory details), refer to the bill text sections 2 through 8 and the related statutory amendments.

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

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