Governor Healy announces new infrastructure bill in Braintree with Mayor Sullivan

In a significant announcement aimed at enhancing community resilience and infrastructure, Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll unveiled a new bill in Braintree, Massachusetts. This legislation, known as the Mass Ready Act, is designed to provide municipalities with additional tools and partnership opportunities to strengthen infrastructure, improve disaster preparedness, and streamline the permitting process for various projects.

During the event, Braintree Mayor Charles Kokoros expressed gratitude for the bill, highlighting its potential to save costs and expedite essential infrastructure projects such as housing developments and culvert repairs. As a registered professional civil engineer, Kokoros emphasized the importance of collaboration in funding and executing these projects, noting that their benefits extend beyond local communities to the entire Commonwealth.

The Mass Ready Act aims to simplify the lengthy environmental review process that often delays critical infrastructure initiatives. By making permitting faster and more affordable, the bill is expected to facilitate a range of projects, including those that enhance local fire departments' capabilities to combat increasingly frequent wildfires. Additionally, the legislation supports farming and coastal communities, ensuring the availability of local produce and seafood while also addressing public safety concerns related to flooding and water quality.

The bill's provisions are poised to have a broad impact, from improving access to home insurance for residents in flood-prone areas to investing in the preservation of outdoor spaces such as beaches, parks, and waterways. The collaborative efforts of local leaders, including Salem Mayor Dominic Pingalo and various members of the Braintree Town Council, underscore a unified commitment to advancing these initiatives.

As the state moves forward with the Mass Ready Act, the focus will be on implementing these changes swiftly to meet the pressing needs of communities across Massachusetts. The anticipated outcomes of this legislation reflect a proactive approach to infrastructure challenges, aiming to create a safer and more resilient environment for all residents.