Bill > S660

This bill establishes the Massachusetts Coastal Erosion Innovation Center, a state-level initiative designed to develop and implement innovative strategies for protecting coastal shorelines and improving their resilience. The center will be administered by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and will include representatives from multiple state agencies such as the Office of Coastal Zone Management and the Department of Environmental Protection. An advisory group appointed by the governor will provide guidance, comprising members from municipal governments, environmental organizations, coastal property owners, engineering and architectural experts, coastal geologists, and taxpayer representatives. The center's primary responsibilities will include identifying and researching innovative coastal protection methods, with a preference for natural approaches like marsh restoration, living shorelines, and vegetation management. It will also be authorized to approve up to 20 pilot projects annually that propose novel coastal protection techniques, with permits lasting up to three years. These projects will be evaluated based on potential impact, benefits, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory compliance, and must include provisions for engineering, monitoring, and potential restoration. The center will produce annual reports and collaborate with higher education institutions and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The legislation is set to expire on December 31, 2035, unless extended or modified by future legislative action.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S660