2009 Massachusetts Budget Debates

April 22, 2008

Join CRWA in supporting seven critical budget amendments

Please take a moment to contact your represenative and support funding for environmental programs! See sidebar for more information on how to take action.

Support Department of Conservation and Recreation Stormwater Management, Amendment 613:
Representative Frank Smizik has brought an amendment to the floor of the House to increase the budget for DCR's stormwater management program.

Stormwater runoff is the leading source of pollution of our rivers.  Funding in Fisal Year 2008 allowed DCR to do only the bare minimum necessary to comply with the Clean Water Act.  In fact, given the size of DCR’s responsibility, this funding is not even sufficient for effective street sweeping and catch basin cleaning, which will continue to be a funding need each year.

Smiznik's Recommendation:
Department of Conservation and Recreation Stormwater Management                                                  

The additional funding recommended here would allow DCR to both continue and expand regular maintenance and comply with a Memorandum of Understanding negotiated with the Charles River Watershed Association and the Conservation Law Foundation in 2005 in lieu of the organizations bringing the matter to court.  This funding would enable DCR to hire an engineer to oversee the program, conduct educational outreach, retrofit catch basins, and conduct other necessary infrastructure updates.

Click here to download a PDF with more information about DCR's stormwater management, and the Emerald Necklace Stormwater Infrastructure Pilot Project.

Support the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, Amendment  458:
The amendment reinstates the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species line item (2310-0300) and provides $250,000 for the program.  Up until 2004 NHESP had its own line item in the budget until it was eliminated by the Romney administration. The Natural Heritage program is responsible for identifying and protecting the commonwealth's rarest and most endangered species. We urge the legislature to reinstate the line item and provide adequate funding.  

Support Geographic Information Systems, Amendment #611:
This amendment would increase funding for MassGIS to $875,000 (line item 2000-9900).  MassGIS provides an array of important services primarily in the form of collecting and mapping data.  GIS has major applications in regional planning, economic development, public safety, utilities, transportation, land use and environmental protection. 

Support Riverways, Amendment 461:
This line item increases the amount provided for the Riverways program (line item 2300-0101) to $650,000.  The Riverways Program is one of the state's most successful and effective programs due to its broad constituency and extensive work providing technical assistance to local organizations and communities.  Last year, Riverways assisted more than 500 citizens, nonprofit organizations, businesses and municipalities on issues spanning more than 100 rivers and streams.  From water quality monitoring to river restoration to water conservation, the Riverways Program is a relied-upon source of technical assistance and information, and Riverways leverages excellent work from thousands of volunteers.  

Support Department of Conservation and Recreation Office of Dam Safety, Amendment 609:
This amendment would ensure level-funding for the Office of Dam Safety which has responsibility for guaranteeing the safety of more than 3,000 state and privately owned dams. In FY 2008 ODS focused on enforcement actions on owners of unsafe dams and in FY 2009 will begin enforcement actions on owners of dams in poor condition.

Support Urban Parks, Amendment 1416:
This line item increases funding for our urban parks (line item 2820-0100) to $29.91 million. The urban parks have been cut approximately 23% percent since FY2001 when adjusted for inflation.  These cuts have resulted in unsafe conditions and crumbling facilities.

Support State Parks, Amendment 1417:
This line item increases funding for our state parks (line item 2810-0100) to $25.35 million. The state parks have been cut approximately 29% percent since FY2001 when adjusted for inflation.  These parks are places of respite and recreation for millions of citizens and visitors each year.

Take action!

Please contact your Representative or Senator and ask him/her to support any or all of the above amendments. If there is an issue that is particularly important to you, please take a moment to call.  Budget debate will begin Monday, April 28 so call your Representative today! 

Dial 617-722-2000 and ask for your representative by name. If you don't know your representative's name, then mention your town and the operator will connect you, or go to www.wheredoivotema.com

Thank you for your support!