Here is a brief introduction and summary to some of the funds and projects that may be of interest to TU members.

Massachusetts governor Patrick proposed a $1.4 billion Energy and Environment Bond Bill to the legislature on Dec. 21, 2007. The bill would allow the state to borrow up to $1.4 billion over the next fiver years on capitol projects to protect and restore the Massachusetts environment. For land conservation, the bond bill authorizes $355 million and will allow the administration to meet its goal of investing at least $50 million per year over the next five years. An additional $175 million would be made available to support protection and restoration of our drinking, coastal and inland water resources. The environmental bond bill also authorizes money to be borrowed for capitol investment projects related to protection and restoration of endangered species habitat, bike paths, farms, greenways, boat access, renewable energy, hazardous waste clean up and restoration of infrastructure for our parks and beaches.

The summary below was excerpted from http://www.envirobond.org/h4446natrsrcs.php and may change as the bill proceeds.

H4446 - MA Environmental Bond Bill

As moved forward by the Joint Committee on Natural Resources 2/14/2008

IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND AND SEVEN

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE PRESERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF LAND, PARKS, AND CLEAN ENERGY IN THE COMMONWEALTH.

Whereas , The deferred operation of this act would tend to defeat its purpose, which is to provide for preservation and improvement of the environmental assets of the commonwealth, therefore it is hereby declared to be an emergency law, necessary for the immediate preservation of the public convenience.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

SECTION 1. To provide for a capital outlay program of improvement and preservation of the environmental assets of the commonwealth, the sums set forth in section 2, for the several purposes and subject to the conditions specified in this act, are hereby made available, subject to the law regulating the disbursement of public funds, which sums are in addition to amounts previously appropriated for such purposes.

Excerpts from SECTION 2:

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

2000-7013 - $ 36 million

For the local acquisition for natural diversity (LAND) grant program, formerly the self-help program, to provide assistance to cities and towns in the acquisition of conservation land...

2000-7016 - $ 7 million

For the conservation partnership grant program to assist not-for-profit corporations in acquiring interests in lands suitable for purposes of conservation or recreation...

2000-7018 - $ 30 million

For the study, protection, preservation, including cultural resources, public access, development, and enhancement activities for the commonwealth’s coastal resources within coastal watersheds and offshore oceans, including but not limited to implementation, equipment, and projects related to ocean management and planning, seafloor mapping, climate change adaptation and coastal shoreline and floodplain management, coastal and ocean water quality; provided, that a program of wetlands and other aquatic habitat restoration in the Massachusetts coastal zone and watersheds...

2000-7025 - $ 27 million

For integrated energy and environmental projects to provide for appropriate conservation, protection, restoration, management, and best use of air, energy, water and land resources; to provide for the propagation, protection, control and management of fish, other aquatic life, wildlife, and endangered species; to optimize and preserve environmental quality and public health...

Department of Fish and Game.

2300-7010 - $ 73 millon

For the acquisition of land and interests in land by the Department of Fish and Game and for associated costs, including planning, study, due diligence, title and appraisal services, site restoration and stewardship for the purpose of protecting the native flora and fauna communities of the commonwealth, and for associated costs...

2300-7011 - $ 13 million

For enhancements, improvements, removal and replacements to the infrastructure and holdings of the department of fish and game and its divisions; and for the costs of studies, plans, engineering and other services essential to this activity...

300-7013 - $ 10 million

For the purposes of conserving and recovering rare and endangered plant and animal species listed under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act and protecting other elements of the state’s threatened natural heritage, through conservation, preparation of endangered species recovery plans, implementation of recovery projects, and the execution of habitat and ecological restoration and management, as identified by the division of fisheries and wildlife's natural heritage and endangered species program ...

2300-7015 - $ 10 million

For the river restoration programs in the division of riverways within the department of fish and game; provided, that funds authorized in this item may be utilized for river and river corridor revitalization, restoration and protection of river ecosystems and functions statewide, including dam and barrier removal, instream improvements, flow, water quality, riverine habitat, for protection of high quality riparian habitat...

2300-7017 - $ 11.4 million

For the implementation of the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy and investigating the impacts of climate change on the biodiversity of Massachusetts, including but not limited to habitat protection and restoration, implementation, and equipment purchases...

Department of Conservation and Recreation.

2800-7016 - $ 31.5 million

For the design, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or removal of department-owned dams, and, subject to rules and regulations of the department, municipal-owned dams, other publicly-owned dams, and other dams for which emergency action is required and related facilities and equipment; provided , that the department of conservation and recreation shall give priority to dams and flood control projects which pose the greatest risk to public health, safety or the environment, subject to rules and regulations of the department; and for a program of planning, permitting and construction of fish ways and other aquatic habitat improvements including the removal or breaching of selected dams and impoundments on land...

Read more from http://www.envirobond.org/h4446natrsrcs.php