Bill
H 4362
Massachusetts bill authorizes Westford to release portions of agricultural preservation restrictions to allow MassDOT land acquisition for Boston Road rehab, with replacement land
Summary — H.4362 (Mixed materials: Massachusetts enactment and South Carolina resolution)
Note on sources
- The provided materials appear to combine two distinct measures from different jurisdictions under the same bill number: (1) a Massachusetts “act” authorizing the Town of Westford to release portions of agricultural preservation restrictions (APR) to allow Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) acquisition for a road rehabilitation project; and (2) a South Carolina House resolution honoring Bruce Ray Vollnogle for volunteer service transporting the State Christmas tree. Both are summarized below.
1) Massachusetts: An Act authorizing the town of Westford to release agricultural preservation restrictions over land owned by Westford Gateway, LLC
Purpose and intent
- Permit Westford to release portions of existing agricultural preservation restrictions (APRs) so MassDOT can acquire land needed for rehabilitation of Boston Road.
Key provisions
- Authority: Notwithstanding other law, Westford may execute a certificate of release for portions of APRs granted by Keith A. Bohne and Nanci Bohne that fall within lands MassDOT will acquire for the Boston Road rehabilitation.
- Identifying references: APRs described by registry entries (Book 8569, Page 242; Book 9155, Page 153; Book 10124, Page 169) and a plan recorded in Plan Book 194, Page 7. Parcels identified for release as parcels 20-E-1, 20-GR-PUE-2 and 20-PUE-14 on a preliminary MassDOT right-of-way plan (Project #609035, Parcel Sketch dated 01-30-24), to be filed with the highway division chief engineer and recorded in the Middlesex North Registry of Deeds.
- Restoration: Parcels used for the construction project must be restored to pre-construction condition to protect conservation values.
- Mitigation / compensation: MassDOT must provide funding (in lieu of replacement land) to Westford equal to at least 110% of the fair market value or the value-in-use of the impacted lands (whichever is greater), as determined by an independent appraisal.
- Use of funds: Westford must deposit the payment into its Community Preservation Fund and use the money solely to acquire replacement land for conservation or agricultural preservation within 3 years. Replacement land must be in a comparable location, have equal or greater natural resource value (Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs determination), equal or greater acreage and equal or greater monetary value (independent appraisal).
- Costs: MassDOT will pay all costs for engineering, surveys, appraisal, deed preparation and other expenses related to executing the release.
- Scope: APRs not released remain in full force.
- Effective date: Upon passage.
Who is affected
- Landowners subject to the APRs (Bohne family / Westford Gateway parcels), the Town of Westford (administration of Community Preservation Fund and land acquisition), MassDOT (acquisition and project costs), and conservation/agricultural preservation interests in Westford.
Potential impact
- Enables timely transportation project land acquisition while requiring monetary mitigation and restoration requirements intended to offset loss of preserved agricultural land. Establishes appraisal and procedural safeguards for replacement land acquisition.
2) South Carolina: House Resolution recognizing Bruce Ray Vollnogle
Purpose
- Honor and express appreciation to Bruce Ray Vollnogle (Greenville, SC) for twenty years of volunteer service transporting the State Christmas tree to Columbia at no charge.
Key points
- Provides background: Vollnogle volunteered for two decades to transport the State House Christmas tree (traveling out of state as needed), designed equipment to facilitate transport, is a Clemson graduate and local builder, active in church and community service.
- Action: The South Carolina House introduced and adopted the resolution (Introduced and adopted April 22, 2025). Resolution directs that a copy be presented to Mr. Vollnogle.
Who is affected
- Primarily honorary — Bruce Ray Vollnogle is recognized; no policy or fiscal effect.
Procedural notes
- The Massachusetts text is filed July 29–30, 2025 with committee actions noted (committee on Ways and Means recommendation and drafting details).
- The South Carolina resolution was introduced and adopted in the House on April 22, 2025; other legislative action dates in the provided record reflect subsequent processing and amendments in the South Carolina legislature.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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