Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-66

ENV 66

Middlesex Fells Reservation Fund

Mr. Lewis moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section X the following section:-

“SECTION XX. Section 34F of chapter 92 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out the first paragraph and inserting in place thereof the following three paragraphs:-

There shall be established and set up on the books of the commonwealth a separate, non-budgeted special revenue fund known as the Middlesex Fells Reservation Fund, which shall be administered by the commissioner of conservation and recreation, who shall consult with relevant stakeholders, including, but not limited to, Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation, Inc. and any abutting municipalities. The fund shall be credited with: (i) appropriations or other money authorized or transferred by the general court and specifically designated to be credited to the fund; (ii) funds from public and private sources, including, but not limited to, gifts, grants and donations; (iii) fees generated by permits, licenses, and all other agreements relating to the use of the Middlesex Fells Reservation that are not directed to the General Fund; and (iii) any interest earned on such money.

Amounts credited to the fund shall be expended, without further appropriation, to advance recreational, educational and conservation interests, including, but not limited to, the construction and maintenance of facilities and infrastructure improvements for the area within the Middlesex Fells reservation.

The unexpended balance in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall remain available for expenditure in subsequent fiscal years and shall not revert to the General Fund. No expenditure made from the fund shall cause the fund to be in deficit at any point.”