Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
The Water Infrastructure Finance Commission has approved recommendations on ways to finance improvements to the state’s water infrastructure, including fees on pollutants, new bottle bill revenue, a port fee, building permit fees and a new surcharge on water bills.
State law charged the commission with developing a comprehensive, long-range plan for financing state and local water infrastructure improvements.
The commission estimates that Massachusetts faces a $21.4 billion gap in resources for drinking water and clean water projects over the next 20 years; meeting proposed federal stormwater rules could add another $18 billion.
The proposed water bill surcharge would add a tenth of a penny for every gallon of water used to create a fund that would redistribute money to cities and towns for water infrastructure projects. The commission estimates that the surcharge would bring in approximately $230 million a year and would create incentives for communities to adopt certain environmental and management practices. The communities would be eligible for payments, grants and loans.
The MMA has been a supporter of the Water Infrastructure Finance Commission, but has expressed concerns about the surcharge proposal.
“The MMA … believes the commission has done an extensive and admirable job evaluating the public health, safety and environmental issues associated with water,” the MMA stated in a letter to commission members. “We especially appreciate the recommendations to raise public awareness of the critical needs in this area, and to advocate for increased federal funding.
“We have significant concerns regarding at least three of the proposed recommendations: fees on local building permits; fees on municipalities that go through the MEPA permitting process; and the implementation of a statewide water surcharge.”
Gloucester Councillor Bruce Tobey, a former president of the MMA, is the municipal representative on the commission, which has 18 members. The other members represent environmental activists, public interest groups, engineers, and water and sewer utilities.
The commission is working on a final report, with a vote on the report expected to be held on Jan. 10.