BEACON HILL BEAT
July 2007
HOUSE/SENATE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
APPROVES $23 MILLION FOR
COMMONWEALTH SEWER RATE RELIEF FUND
IN FY 2008 STATE BUDGET
The House/Senate Conference Committee, whose task it was to deliberate the differences between the two legislative budget proposals for FY 2008, released a $26.7 Billion budget which includes $23 Million for the Commonwealth Sewer Rate Relief Fund. The budget represents a 4.2% increase over last year. The Conference Committee released the budget on the last day of the state’s fiscal year on Friday evening, June 30th.
UCANE actively lobbied on behalf of the Commonwealth Sewer Rate Relief Fund, a program that is a perfect example of local aid which will have a direct and significant impact on citizens throughout the state, not just the MWRA district. By allowing municipalities and sewer districts to stabilize rates and undertake necessary projects, Rate Relief provides valuable financial relief during a time when costs for other essential items continue to rise. The House had proposed funding Rate Relief at last year’s level of $25 Million, but the Senate and the Governor, in their budget proposals each recommended $15 Million. It should be noted that Governor Patrick included the Commonwealth Sewer Rate Relief program in his budget, compared to the previous administration which didn’t acknowledge the program.
With strong support from House Ways & Means Chairman Bob DeLeo (D-Winthrop), who is a staunch advocate, Rate Relief received $23 Million. Traditionally, when there is a funding difference between the two legislative branches, a compromise is made by finding the midpoint. UCANE would like to thank the House and Senate leadership for supporting this important program, and we will continue to work with the Governor and legislature to increase the funding in future years.
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ANOTHONY PETRUCCELLI SWORN IN
AS STATE SENATOR
Four term Representative Anthony Petruccelli (D-East Boston) was sworn in to the State Senate representing the 1st Suffolk Middlesex District on July 11th, replacing former Senate President Robert Travaglini who resigned in March. Petruccelli defeated his primary opponent in the special election on May 29th and did not have a Republican challenger for the general election on June 26th. He won the endorsement of Boston Mayor Tom Menino and Senator Travaglini. Petruccelli’s accomplishments in the House include advocating for improvements to beaches throughout Boston, Revere, and Winthrop including efforts to enhance water quality.
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DEP RELEASES 2008 PROJECT EVALUATION FORMS FOR
STATE REVOLVING LOAN FUND (SRF) APPLICATIONS
The DEP Division of Municipal Services released the Project Evaluation Form for financing application for CY 2008 Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) projects. Financial assistance will be provided in the form of 2% interest loans for water pollution abatement projects. The DEP reviews and approves project proposals, selecting those that will receive financial assistance. Selection criteria are measures of significant public health and water quality benefits and the ability to achieve and maintain compliance with permit requirements. SRF applications are due by noon on August 31, 2007.
SRF Project Evaluation Form (PEF) can be downloaded at: http://mass.gov/dep/water/approvals/surffms.htm#srf.
The Project Rating criteria, instructions, and guidelines for preparing the 2008 Project Evaluation Form can be found at: http://mass.gov/dep/water/approvals/surffms.htm#srf.
Further information on SRF applications can be found by contacting DEP regional staff:
Northeast Region: Kevin Brander - (978) 694-3236
Southeast Region: Richard Keith - (508) 946-2784
Central Region: Paul Anderson - (508) 767-2802
West Region: Deirdre Cabral - (413) 755-2148
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UCANE COMMENTS ON MA DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY’S
EXCAVATION & TRENCH SAFETY REGULATIONS
UCANE submitted written testimony to the Department of Public Safety and Division of Occupational Safety regarding their proposed regulations on excavation and trench safety. While the proposed regulations contain several laudable provisions, certain areas should be amended to include language that will provide greater protection for the general public while promoting a practical system of compliance for both contractors and owners.
UCANE members are currently regulated under a variety of licensing and permitting mechanisms on the federal, state and local level. Whether complying with local permitting processes, or with Dig-Safe regulations, state, and federal safety laws, UCANE’s members engage in best management practices designed to protect their employees and the general public. UCANE is concerned that the proposed trench and excavation requirements add additional layers of regulations that, unless clarified, will result in more bureaucracy and less protection. UCANE looks forward to working with the Department of Public Safety and Division of Occupation Safety in creating appropriate and practical regulations to ensure the safety of our members, the construction industry, and the general public
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MARY JANE O’MEARA NAMED ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MA TURNPIKE AUTHORITY
MA Transportation Secretary Bernard Cohen named Mary Jane O’Meara Acting Executive Director of the MA Turnpike Authority, while a search for a permanent Director is found. O’Meara previously ran the Tobin Bridge for MassPort and is a past President of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association. Governor Patrick has requested a top-to-bottom review of the Turnpike finances, which Secretary Cohen will personally oversee.
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CAPE COD COMMISSION
SEEKS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
In June, Cape Cod Commission Executive Director Margo Fenn announced that she would be leaving her position in July. The Commission has launched a search to replace her. The Cape Cod Commission, created in 1990 with approval of the state legislature, was established as a regional planning and regulatory agency for the 15 communities in Barnstable County to prepare and implement a regional land use policy plan. The Commission is charged with reviewing and regulating regional impact to the Cape and to designate areas of critical planning concern. Their focus is divided into three main areas: planning, technical assistance, and regulation. Additional information on the Commission can be found on their webpage at www.capecodcommission.org
UCANE has been actively involved with the Commission and the Cape Cod Water Protection Collaborative as the region addresses its wastewater infrastructure needs.
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~ FEDERAL LEVEL ~
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDS $887 MILLION FOR CLEAN WATER SRF
In late June, the Senate Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee recommended $887 Million for the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) program, in stark contrast to the $1.125 Billion the House Appropriations Committee recommended for FY 2008. The funding level is also lower than the $1.35 Billion that the Senate Northeast-Midwest Coalition is seeking.
UCANE staff met with the environmental staff of Senator’s Kennedy and Kerry to discuss the importance of federal SRF grants, not only for MA and New England but for the entire country. Both Senators are in support of maximum funding for the SRF program. In the meantime UCANE will work with our national affiliate the Clean Water Construction Coalition (CWCC) and advocate for the highest funding level possible when the Appropriation’s Conference Committee is formed.
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