Bill > H897

This bill establishes the Quabbin Host Community Development Trust Fund to address the municipal service, public safety, and development needs of the Quabbin Reservoir Watershed Communities. The fund will be financed by an assessment on the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) based on the amount of water drawn from the Quabbin Reservoir. At least 70% of the fund's expenditures must go to the Quabbin Reservoir Watershed Communities for municipal operations and capital improvements, and up to 25% can go to nonprofit organizations serving the health, welfare, safety, and transit needs of these communities. Additionally, the bill increases the representation of Connecticut River Basin communities on the MWRA's board of directors and requires the MWRA to complete a Water System Expansion Evaluation for several river basins before approving any interbasin transfer of water from the Quabbin Reservoir.