Bill > H905

This bill establishes a Merrimack River Collaborative to serve as a coordinating entity for efforts associated with the health of the Merrimack River in Massachusetts. The Collaborative will work to monitor, improve, and restore water quality in the river, employing methods and strategies to achieve various goals, such as convening a working group, improving public education, advancing water quality monitoring and data availability, identifying and supporting legislation and implementation projects, and connecting members with funding opportunities. The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, Merrimack River Watershed Council, and Northern Middlesex Council of Governments will manage and oversee the Collaborative, which will consist of representatives from federal, state, and local government entities, as well as non-governmental organizations and universities. The Collaborative will conduct public hearings and produce annual reports to document its accomplishments and future efforts.