Funding Authorized for Winter Pond, Middlesex Fells Reservation

A release from the office of State Representative Michael Day:

Rep. Michael Day, D-Stoneham, joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to pass legislation authorizing the issuance of $2 billion in bond monies to be spent on environmental initiatives, including air and water quality improvements, parkways and trails rehabilitation, electric vehicle incentives and coastal infrastructure repairs.

The legislation builds upon the House’s commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of the environment and combating the effects of climate change. Representative Day successfully amended the legislation to secure the authorization of $2.5 million in bonds for specific improvements in the towns of Stoneham and Winchester.

Under the bill as passed, the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) is now authorized to provide funding of up to $1,500,000 for dredging, safety and environmental improvements to Winter Pond in the town of Winchester. Winter Pond is an important community resource, providing year-round ecological and recreational benefits for residents.

“The funding and policies proposed by this legislation will make Massachusetts a leader in global climate change solutions, and I am happy my colleagues joined me in supporting it overwhelmingly,” said Representative Day. “I am particularly happy that my amendment authorizing future action at Winter Pond was successful. Winter Pond is a treasure I have enjoyed since I was skating on it as a toddler, and this authorization is an important step in preserving this jewel for future generations.”

Representative Day also successfully amended the legislation to include authorization of $1,000,000 for improvements to the Middlesex Fells Reservation trails and roadway in Stoneham. The Middlesex Fells Reservation became a state park in 1893 and is a nationally recognized parkway. The bond language approved by the House authorizes expenditures for the repair and restoration of trails as well as safety improvements to Pond Street in Stoneham.

“The Middlesex Fells Reservation is very important to the entire region,” continued Day. “This funding authorization will allow us to ensure that future generations enjoy the Fells and all the beauty it has to offer, and is designed to improve the safety of residents in the Pond Street area.”

The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration. To follow the progress of this bill,
visithttps://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H4599.