Bill > H905

This bill aims to expand pleasure boat access to Boston Harbor by requiring state and municipal public agencies and authorities that own or control property within Boston to identify and establish mooring and docking facilities for pleasure boats. The legislation specifically directs these agencies to focus on creating more short-term (hourly or daily) and seasonal mooring locations accessible to the general public. Agencies are authorized to issue public Requests for Proposals, lease or purchase property, and enter into agreements with private entities to improve public navigational access to Boston Harbor and the Harbor Islands. They may charge market-rate fees to cover the costs of creating and maintaining these facilities. The bill does not limit private or non-profit service providers from offering boating facilities and allows the City of Boston to use funds from specific accounts to implement these provisions. Additionally, all relevant agencies are required to file an annual report by January 1st detailing the public tie-up, mooring, and docking locations within the city, with a particular focus on the Inner Harbor of the Port of Boston and non-seasonal, transient facilities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H905