Dykema and Eldridge Sponsor Legislation to Improve Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

Representative Carolyn Dykema and Senator James Eldridge’s recently sponsored legislation, An Act improving drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, creates a new Underground Utility Commission aimed at increasing efficiency in utility construction. The commission will investigate ways to improve coordination among utility providers and municipalities in an effort to reduce unnecessary roadway construction related to underground utilities’ maintenance and repair.

“There are few things more frustrating for taxpayers than to see newly paved roads dug up to repair water pipe or other underground utilities. The new Underground Utilities Commission will make recommendations for increasing coordination of utility construction and road repair to prevent instances like this,” stated Representative Carolyn Dykema. “The commission’s work and findings will improve existing partnerships between utility contractors and our cities and towns, resulting in better and more efficient service delivery for our communities. Coordinating road repair with the repair and replacement of underground utilities is not only the easiest way to maintain our infrastructure, but also the most economical.”

The Utility Commission will include members representing the diverse stakeholders involved in utility maintenance, including municipalities, utility contractors, and representatives from the Department of Transportation, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Massachusetts Municipal Association among others.

“We applaud Representative Dykema and Senator Eldridge for recognizing that utility construction must be better coordinated to prevent unnecessary and costly disruption and damage to our local roadways,” said Geoffrey C. Beckwith, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. “We look forward to participating on this special commission, and working on important improvements that will benefit taxpayers and drivers.”

“From a contractor’s perspective, this commission will help identify areas to improve efficiencies so that more infrastructure projects can be undertaken,” stated Al Morteo, President, Utility Contractors Association of New England.

Article submitted by the office of Carolyn Dykema