Bill > S2731

This bill establishes the Massachusetts Coastal Erosion Innovation Center, a state-level initiative designed to develop and research innovative methods for protecting coastal resources and improving shoreline resilience. The center will be administered by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and include representatives from multiple state agencies such as Coastal Zone Management, Environmental Protection, and Conservation and Recreation. An advisory group appointed by the governor will provide guidance, consisting of representatives from municipal officials, environmental organizations, coastal property owners, engineering and construction experts, coastal geologists, and taxpayers. The center's primary focus will be identifying and researching natural approaches to coastal protection, including techniques like thin layer marsh deposition, living shorelines, vegetation management, and invasive species eradication. Working in consultation with higher education and research institutions, the center will produce an annual public report detailing its activities and findings. The legislation is set to remain in effect until December 31, 2035, unless it is repealed, modified, or extended by subsequent legislative action. The overall goal is to develop innovative, sustainable strategies for protecting Massachusetts' coastal environments and infrastructure from erosion and environmental challenges.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2731