Bill > S2475

This bill authorizes the Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to grant a water main easement to the town of Bellingham on a specific parcel of land managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, which is currently held for conservation and recreation purposes. The easement, approximately 37,000 square feet, will be used for installing and maintaining a raw water transmission main, and the town of Bellingham will be responsible for all associated costs, including engineering and appraisals. Before the easement is granted, an independent appraisal of its fair market value and value in use will be conducted, and this appraisal, along with a review by the Inspector General, must be submitted to legislative committees at least 15 days prior to the transaction. To ensure no net loss of conservation land, Bellingham must compensate the Commonwealth by transferring land, an interest in land, or funding for land acquisition that is equal to or greater than the resource value and highest appraised value of the easement land, with the Department of Conservation and Recreation having final approval. The easement instrument will include a clause stating that the property will revert to the Commonwealth if it is no longer used for its intended purpose.