Bill > S586

This bill establishes a Merrimack River Collaborative to serve as a coordinating entity for efforts to monitor, improve, and restore the water quality of the Merrimack River. The Collaborative will bring together representatives from federal, state, and local governments, as well as non-governmental organizations and universities, to convene a working group, improve public education and access to water quality data, advance monitoring and knowledge of pollutants, identify and support legislation and projects to improve water quality, and connect members with funding opportunities. The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission will manage and oversee the Collaborative, which will be required to hold public hearings and produce an annual report on its activities and recommendations for ensuring the present and future health of the Merrimack River.