SECTION 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 13 of chapter 80 of the General Laws, and pursuant to the provisions of Section 255-4 of the code of the town of Harwich, the board of assessors of the town of Harwich may, and at the request of the owner of the land assessed shall, make assessments for improvements to private ways, in accordance with said chapter 80.

SECTION 2. The town of Harwich is hereby authorized to establish a fund which shall be known as the Improvements to Private Ways Betterment Fund into which fund shall be deposited all payments received from property owners assessed betterments for the costs of improvements to private ways pursuant to section 255-4 of the code of the town of Harwich, and into which may be deposited such other funds as may be appropriated by the town for such purposes. Such funds shall continue from year to year without the necessity of town meeting authorization annually. The town may appropriate from such fund, by majority vote at any special or annual town meeting, funds to be expended by the board of selectmen for improvements to private ways.

SECTION 3. Notwithstanding any general or special law, rule or regulation to the contrary, the town of Harwich may borrow for a term of up to 15 years in anticipation of reimbursement from betterments assessed in connection with work on private way open to, and used by, the general public under this act.

SECTION 4. Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law or charter provision to the contrary, all acts and proceedings of the town of Harwich taken under article 36 of the May 6, 2013 annual town meeting authorizing a borrowing for making repairs to Skinequit Road and all actions taken pursuant thereto are hereby ratified, validated and confirmed.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its passage.