Moore votes for protection and enhancement of state recreational land

July 30, 2008 ... Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, along with his colleagues in the Senate, approved legislation on Tuesday to advance the conservation and acquisition of recreational land and to make improvements to state park facilities and properties operated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and other state environmental agencies including the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Within the $1.7 billion approved in bonds, Sen. Moore was able to secure funds for various projects in the district.

“I am happy to see projects funded once again for many of our local communities,” said Moore. “Recreation and the upkeep and maintenance of our environment around us is important to the livelihood of our residents, and the vitality of our communities.”

Senate President Therese Murray, D-Plymouth, said the environmental bond bill is a valuable investment in recreational land that is important to residents across the Commonwealth.

“No matter where you live, people always know how to get to the parks, beaches and recreational areas,” President Murray said. “It’s a quality of life issue that is important to everyone, and we need to make sure that our open space and recreational facilities maintain their appeal and functionality.”

The bond bill includes $1.4 billion for land protection and acquisition, and another $325 million to enhance public parks and rebuild infrastructure, including the repair and construction of DCR bridges and state-run campgrounds, hiking trails, swimming pools, beaches and skating rinks.

“Our public parks are suffering from a long-standing billion dollar to-do-list and this will help carry out many projects,” said Sen. Pam Resor, D-Acton, Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “Authorizing this bond money is only the first step, and we look forward to the administration taking the next step to implement critical improvement projects.”

The bill also provides for the design and construction of urban parks in neighborhoods where there is a lack of recreational space, and it includes authorization for new programs to address climate change, wildlife protection and deteriorating water supply infrastructure.

Among the projects secured by Sen. Moore in the Senate, were:

French River Greenway. Provides $250,000 for the cleaning and clearing of the trail system that runs through the communities of Dudley, Webster and Oxford.

River Bend Farm Visitors Center. Provides $250,000 for the construction of a pavilion and amphitheater at the River Ben Farm Visitors Center.

Milford Pond. Provides $2.7 million for the cleanup and maintenance of Milford Pond.

While the previous projects have been approved by the Senate, there are also projects that await approval in the House of Representatives, with full approval from Sen. Moore:

Webster Lake. Requested by Rep. Paul Kujawski, D-Webster, this would provide $2 million for sediment control of Webster Lake.

Godfrey Brook. Requested by Rep. John Fernandes, D-Milford, this would provide $4 million for the cleanup and maintenance of Godfrey Brook.

Unity Park. Requested by Rep. Paul Frost, R-Auburn, this would provide $50,000 for improvements and repairs to Unity Park in Sutton.

Sewer Line Cleanup. Requested by Rep. Frost, this would provide $100,000 for the cleanup of asbestos in Sutton sewer lines.

Drinking Water Revolving Fund. This would continue the water pollution abatement trust grandfathered drinking water revolving fund grant, for the amount of $42.3 million. The grant provides cities and towns with financial assistance to meet debt service obligations incurred while constructing new water treatment projects.

Previous Page | Print this Document