HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 4239        FILED ON: 3/20/2009

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 4014

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the Year Two Thousand Nine

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An Act establishing a cultural and entertainment district certification program..

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1.  Chapter 10 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 54 the following section:-

Section 54A.  The Massachusetts cultural council shall establish and administer a cultural and entertainment certification program.  The program shall encourage the growth of communities through the development of areas within a city or county for public and private uses related to cultural and entertainment purposes. A city or county may create and designate a cultural and entertainment district subject to certification by the council in consultation with economic development department.  A cultural and entertainment district is encouraged to include a unique form of transportation within the district and recreation trails.  A cultural and entertainment district certification shall remain in effect for 10 years following the date of certification.  Two or more cities or counties may apply jointly for certification of a district that extends across a common boundary.  Through the adoption of rules and regulations the council shall develop a certification application for use in the certification process.  The provisions of this section relating to the adoption of rules and regulations shall be construed narrowly.