Bill > H4536

This bill modifies the composition and responsibilities of the Middlesex Canal Commission, a body established to oversee matters related to the historic Middlesex Canal. Specifically, it expands the commission's membership to include a representative from the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker, a representative from the Senate appointed by the President, and a representative from each of the municipalities of Lowell, Chelmsford, Billerica, Wilmington, Woburn, Winchester, Medford, Somerville, and Boston, along with their alternates. It also adds the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (or a designee), the Administrator of the Division of Highways within the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (or a designee), the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, and the Executive Director of the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments as ex officio members. Furthermore, the bill requires that any municipality with a member on the commission must provide at least 14 days' written notice to the commission before permitting or approving any activity within 100 feet of the canal's route, with "appropriate boards" defined to include various local government bodies like city councils, planning boards, and conservation commissions. Finally, the commission is tasked with studying the feasibility of establishing, owning, and operating a Middlesex Canal State Heritage Park and making recommendations to the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation on this matter.