Senate Includes Green Incentives in Water Infrastructure Bill

Legislation adopted by the Massachusetts Senate last Thursday would provide state funding for municipal water infrastructure projects that provide clean drinking water and manage waste water and storm water.

The bill also would help advance green infrastructure—such approaches as protection and restoration of wetlands and floodplains to provide clean water—in the Commonwealth.

“The Conservancy applauds the Senate for leveling the playing field for green infrastructure,” said Steve Long, government relations director for The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts.

The legislation, which had not been heard by the state House, provides green infrastructure funding for cities and towns for large-scale capital projects, demonstration projects and technical assistance.

Green infrastructure is method of naturally and sustainably managing water to prevent flooding, filter pollutants and reduce health risks—while avoiding costs and providing economic and environmental benefits.

In addition to protecting and restoring wetlands and floodplains, green infrastructure includes such approaches as managing stormwater through low impact development techniques that clean and infiltrate water, acquiring water supply protection land that buffers reservoirs, and ensuring adequately sized road crossings of rivers and streams to allow for increased flows.

The bill, championed by Senate President Therese Murray along with Sen. James Eldridge, will provide a number of benefits to the state.

According to a study by the University of North Carolina, for every $1 million invested, green infrastructure investment generates between 10 and 40 jobs, in categories including environmental conservation, restoration and mitigation. This return on investment compares favorably with other jobs generated through infrastructure investments in transportation, construction and utilities.

Additionally, green infrastructure investment reduces costs of operations, maintenance, compliance and insurance for municipalities, while encouraging various recreational activities by providing clean surface water. Recreational fishing alone in Massachusetts provided $550 million in 2011 to the state’s economy according to a study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Green infrastructure also filters pollutants from stormwater and wastewater; provides fish, bird and wildlife habitat; captures atmospheric carbon to reduce the Earth’s warming; and provides mechanisms for more effective water use.