Bill > H631

This bill amends existing law to allow the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to participate in funding dredging projects in harbors and inland waterways, covering up to 75% of the cost for dredging and up to 50% for other related work, unless otherwise authorized. It also establishes a "Waterways Trust" to receive and hold bequests, restitutions, or gifts on behalf of the Commonwealth, managed by the commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation, to be used for repairs and improvements to harbors and inland waterways, as well as for conservation interests, with the ability to expend these funds without further appropriation, subject to the terms of the gift. Additionally, the bill updates references within the law, replacing the "Soil Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture" with the "United States Army Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies" as entities involved in these projects.