Bill > S1293

This bill aims to provide for the establishment of sustainable water resource funds by municipalities and regional governments in Massachusetts. The key provisions are: 1. Municipalities, water/wastewater districts, and stormwater utilities can collect a reasonable fee to be used exclusively for measures to remedy and offset the impacts of new or increased water withdrawals, sewering, wastewater discharges, and stormwater discharges on the natural environment. The fee can be based on retaining or saving a certain number of gallons of water per increased gallon of demand. 2. The fees collected must be deposited into separate "Sustainable Water Resource Funds" for drinking water, wastewater, or stormwater, to be used for purposes such as local water recharge, redundant water sources, water conservation, and habitat improvements, without further appropriation. 3. These funds may also receive monies from other public and private sources, and any interest earned will be credited to the funds. 4. Municipalities and districts that have accepted this section can also revoke their acceptance, and any remaining funds must be expended in a manner consistent with the section.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S1293