Healey-Driscoll Administration Testifies in Support of Mass Ready Act
Mass Ready Act proposes $3 billion to streamline permitting for housing, strengthen infrastructure, protect clean water and prepare for extreme weather
BOSTON – Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration testified in support of Governor Maura Healey’s Mass Ready Act, a $3 billion investment to help Massachusetts prepare for extreme weather events like flooding, heatwaves and wildfires. This legislation comes in the wake of the devastating flooding seen in Texas and the flash flooding in Massachusetts, underscoring the need for immediate and effective measures that are included in the bill.
The Mass Ready Act focuses on strengthening the state’s infrastructure, protecting water and nature and investing in farms and local economies. It also streamlines permitting processes for housing and natural infrastructure projects, helping communities move priority projects forward faster and at a lower cost. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, along with Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper, Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz, mayors, real estate advocates, farmers, insurance leaders and environmental advocates all came together to express their support for this critical bill.
“The Mass Ready Act is about making Massachusetts a place where families are safe, businesses can grow and communities are prepared for the future,” said Governor Healey. “Our legislation cuts permitting and wait times to get critical housing and infrastructure projects moving, makes commonsense investments in clean water, and supports our farmers and fishermen during this uncertain time. We’re grateful to the Legislature for their review of our proposal.”
“Cities and towns know what needs to get done, but are often stuck waiting on funding or permits,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “The Mass Ready Act gives communities the ability to cut through red tape and move projects forward without unnecessary delays. Our bill offers practical fixes that allow local governments to prioritize and accomplish critical projects.”
“As we testified today, we were thinking of the communities recently devastated by flooding. Through the Mass Ready Act, we’re preparing for disasters beforehand, protecting our residents and businesses,” said Secretary Tepper. “The Mass Ready Act is a direct response to the climate threats we’re already facing. It invests in real, on-the-ground solutions like upgrading drinking water systems, protecting coastlines, supporting local farms before the next storm hits. Our legislation not only addresses extreme weather events but also helps communities proactively prepare for them.”
“Now is the time to make thoughtful, effective investments in Massachusetts’s future by improving the resilience of our cities and towns,” said Secretary Gorzkowicz. “We were grateful for the chance to testify today in support of the Mass Ready Act, a bill that authorizes critical bond financing for projects and programs that will protect our resources, enhance our communities, and support our local economies for years to come.”
The Mass Ready Act includes funding for flood control, dam safety, and seawall repairs, as well as the establishment of a Resilience Revolving Fund that provides low-interest loans to improve stormwater systems, restore nature, and enhance critical infrastructure to reduce flood and heat risks. The legislation also expands support for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program and the Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) program while making significant investments in PFAS mitigation, land conservation and the state’s Biodiversity Conservation Goals.
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