An Act relative to the Quabbin watershed and regional equity
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 546) of Joanne M. Comerford, Jacob R. Oliveira and Peter J. Durant for legislation to establish the Quabbin Host Community Trust Fund. Environment and Natural Resources.
Bill Information
Bill Information
- Presenter:
- Joanne M. Comerford
- Status:
- Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Nearly 87 years ago, the state disincorporated and flooded four towns so that eastern Massachusetts could have reliable access to pristine drinking water. The communities that surround (what’s now known as) the Quabbin Reservoir steward an invaluable resource, but they cannot access Quabbin water and receive minimal compensation for their sacrifice. This bill creates a Quabbin Host Community Development Trust Fund, into which the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) will deposit $35 million annually, indexed to inflation. These funds will be provided to Quabbin watershed communities for municipal needs and to non-profit and cultural organizations that serve the health, welfare, safety, and transportation needs of Quabbin watershed communities. The bill also provides payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for the land under the Quabbin reservoir and adds representatives from Quabbin watershed communities to the MWRA board. Lastly, the bill prohibits the MWRA from approving any new transfer of water from the Quabbin Reservoir until they have completed a study and evaluation on providing Quabbin water to surrounding communities in western and north central Massachusetts.
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