Bill > H3998

This bill establishes a comprehensive Native Planting Program through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) aimed at promoting the cultivation of native flowering plants, grasses, and shrubs along state highways and public lands. The program has multiple environmental objectives, including improving stormwater management, supporting pollinators, enhancing biodiversity, and reducing carbon emissions. To support these efforts, the bill creates a dedicated Native Planting Fund, which will be financed through state appropriations, grants, and revenue from a new native pollinator-themed vanity license plate. MassDOT will be responsible for identifying suitable locations for native plantings, developing maintenance standards, and creating grant opportunities for municipalities. The program will involve collaboration with agricultural, environmental, and community organizations to implement pilot projects and educational initiatives. Key components include establishing partnerships with local nurseries, developing community engagement strategies, and creating measurable goals to track the program's effectiveness in areas such as runoff reduction, pollinator population increases, and maintenance cost savings. The department is required to provide annual reports on the fund's activities and the program's progress, and must develop implementation regulations within one year of the bill's enactment.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3998