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Public commenters urge clarification of environmental bond amendment over wastewater scoring concerns
Summary
Public commenters and advisory members flagged section 108 of amendment 267 in the environmental bond bill for a possible 'preference modifier' that could change how wastewater projects are ranked; a referenced senator replied that fixes would be made and committee members were advised to contact the local delegation if concerned.
During public comment the group heard concern about a change in the environmental bond bill identified as section 108 of amendment 267, which one commenter said would create a "preference modifier" that could give scoring preference to municipalities whose zoning encourages housing protection and potentially disadvantage wastewater projects and related state incentives.
The commenter said letters from the Cape Islands Water Protection Fund and an APCC e-blast prompted outreach; Lynn Bernau and others shared that Senator Julian Seir replied to the group and said the drafting mistake was not intended and that fixes would be made if necessary. Committee members encouraged colleagues and residents to contact the local legislative delegation to emphasize the importance of not disrupting wastewater project scoring tied to 0% loan incentives and intended-use plan priorities.
Separately, George reported the Pleasant Bay IMA was approved by the board of selectmen and that the watershed permit paperwork with the state is complete, which the committee noted as a key local milestone.
