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Health & Fitness

Senate Committee Reports Water Infrastructure Improvement Bill

BOSTON – The Senate Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets chaired by Senator Brian A. Joyce has reported an infrastructure bill that will allow municipalities across the Commonwealth to make significant repairs and upgrades to their local water and sewer systems. The bill renames the Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust, and provides the Trust the flexibility to offer lower interest loans to municipalities to fund water and sewer infrastructure projects. The legislation was initially filed by Senate President Therese Murray who has indicated that passage of the measure is among the Senate’s top priorities.

“Cities and towns are facing a $39 billion funding gap over the next two decades for the maintenance of our sewer, water, and stormwater resources,” said Joyce “The cost of doing nothing would hinder the Commonwealth’s ability to provide stable infrastructure for businesses.”

Currently, the Trust can offer loans to local governments with interest rates as low as 2 percent. Under the proposed legislation, the Trust could go as low as 0 percent and authorize principal forgiveness for qualifying municipalities looking to make significant changes to their water and sewer infrastructure. The legislation aims to make it easier for Commonwealth towns and cities to undertake these projects by removing potential financial barriers. Joyce also proposed a matching grant program in the legislation that would allow cities and towns to dedicate a portion of the revenues collected from residents to support infrastructure upgrades in their municipalities.

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