Bill > H1000

This bill establishes a special legislative commission to evaluate and identify revenue sources for wastewater infrastructure improvements in 14 towns along the south coast of Massachusetts, addressing nitrogen pollution in coastal waters. The commission will be composed of 27 members, including legislative, government, and local community representatives from the affected region. The commission's primary objectives include examining the financial needs for reducing nutrient pollution, which involves expanding sewer infrastructure, upgrading wastewater treatment facilities, reducing Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) discharges, and improving septic systems. The commission will investigate potential funding sources such as new fees or taxes, and will analyze the financial capacities of local cities and towns to develop fair and equitable financing recommendations. To accomplish its goals, the commission is authorized to work with external experts in fields like tax policy, water quality, and infrastructure, and will hold public hearings to gather data and testimony. Within one year of the act's effective date, the commission must submit a detailed written report to various state officials, including identified funding sources and draft legislation to implement its recommendations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1000