Bill > S447

This bill proposes several key provisions: 1. It establishes the Quabbin Host Community Development Trust Fund, which will be used to address the municipal service, public safety, and development needs of the Quabbin Reservoir Watershed Communities. The fund will be financed by assessments collected from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) based on the amount of water drawn from the Quabbin Reservoir. 2. It requires that at least 70% of the trust's expenditures in each fiscal year be made to the Quabbin Reservoir Watershed Communities for municipal operations and capital improvements, including debt service. Up to 25% can be used to support non-profit organizations serving the health, welfare, safety, and transit needs of the Quabbin Reservoir Watershed Communities, as well as the Connecticut River Basin and Chicopee River Basin Communities. Up to 5% can be used for projects in communities pursuant to section 26 of chapter 165, including the operations and management of conduits, pipes, and hydrants. 3. It amends the law to ensure that payments in lieu of taxes made to communities with land held by the metropolitan district commission are not less than $50,000 annually and are not less than the prior fiscal year's payment. 4. It increases the representation of Connecticut River Basin communities on the MWRA board of directors from one member to three members who represent land and water resources protection interests. 5. It limits the tenure of MWRA board members to 12 years, except for the Secretary of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs serving ex officio. 6. It requires the MWRA to complete a Water System Expansion Evaluation of the Westfield River Basin, Chicopee River Basin, Connecticut River Basin, and Millers River Basin communities by December 31, 2023, before any interbasin transfer of water from the Quabbin Reservoir can be approved.