Bill > H1053

This bill establishes the Merrimack River Collaborative (MRC), a coordinating entity focused on improving and monitoring the water quality of the Merrimack River. The Collaborative will be managed by the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission and will include diverse representatives from federal and state legislative offices, municipal governments, state agencies like the Department of Environmental Protection, non-governmental organizations, and local universities. The group's primary goals include convening a working group to address water quality, improving public education, standardizing water quality monitoring data, tracking known and emerging pollutants, identifying legislative and implementation projects, and connecting members with funding opportunities. Members will serve without compensation and will be appointed within 30 days of the act's effective date. The Collaborative can hire independent consultants and conduct public hearings in locations along the river. They are required to produce an annual report by December 15th each year, starting in 2025, which will detail accomplishments, outline future efforts, and make recommendations for the river's health. The first meeting of the Collaborative is mandated to occur no later than May 1st, 2025, and they will actively seek representation from organizations along the New Hampshire portion of the river as well.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1053