Amendment ID: S2591-8-R1

Redraft Amendment 8

Willett Pond

Messrs. Rush and Feeney move that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 79 the following section:-

“SECTION 79A. There shall be a special commission to study and report on the feasibility of transferring ownership of Willett Pond and its appurtenances to the department of conservation and recreation to provide new public access for outdoor recreation and to preserve the species and ecosystem of the pond. The study shall examine costs related to the transfer, including transferring ownership at no cost to the commonwealth.

The commission shall consist of: 3 persons to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; 3 persons to be appointed by the president of the senate; the secretary of energy and environmental affairs or a designee; the commissioner of conservation and recreation or a designee; the commissioner of fish and game or a designee; the chairs of the boards of selectmen of the towns of Walpole, Westwood and Norwood or their designees; a representative from the Willett Pond Charitable and Protection Association, Inc. or a designee; a representative from the North Walpole Fish and Game Club, Inc. or a designee; a representative from the Neponset River Watershed Association, Incorporated or a designee. The commission shall submit its recommendations, including drafts of any proposed legislation, by filing the same with the clerks of the senate and house of representatives not later than March 31, 2019.”