Bill > H3999

This bill establishes a comprehensive stormwater runoff mitigation and watershed restoration program administered by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). The legislation creates a dedicated Transportation Stormwater Runoff Mitigation and Watershed Restoration Fund, which will be financed through permitting fees, state and federal grants, capital budget allocations, and other designated revenues. The fund will support a statewide initiative to assess and improve highway and roadway infrastructure's impact on water quality. MassDOT will be required to conduct a comprehensive assessment of culverts, drainage systems, and discharge points affecting impaired water bodies, develop a prioritized plan for retrofitting existing infrastructure with passive treatment mechanisms (such as vegetated swales and constructed wetlands), and collaborate with municipalities to ensure effective stormwater management. The bill mandates annual reporting to various legislative committees, detailing the number of retrofitted systems, water quality improvements, financial expenditures, and recommendations for program enhancement. The program aims to align with existing environmental protection standards and must be implemented within 18 months of the bill's effective date, with initial rules and regulations to be established within 12 months. The bill is declared an emergency measure to address watershed restoration in the Commonwealth immediately.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3999