The River Current || August 15, 2008 || Issue 75

The twice monthly e-newsletter of the Charles River Watershed Association
...bringing our backyard river to your door...

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In this issue

1) Environmental Bond Bill signed by Governor
2) Make Way for Duck Boats event
3) GreenBuild 2008 Conference

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1) SUCCESS! Environmental Bond Bill signed!  

Yesterday Governor Deval Patrick signed into law the 2008 Environmental Bond, authorizing up to $1.68 billion to provide the capital funds for vital state environmental programs over the next five years. The Environmental Bond will provide resources to protect open space, improve water and air quality, repair and maintain public parks, increase energy efficiency, support our agricultural resources, and much more. 

Governor Patrick also included the conservation tax incentive amendment as part of the Bond, which CRWA has been advocating for since March. The tax incentive program still needs final approval, as the Governor sent it back to the Legislature with a $2 million per year cap. This final approval will be tricky, as the legislature is not in formal session. For more information on the Conservation Tax incentive, go to http://www.crwa.org/alert/cons_tax.html  

Thank you again to everyone who took action to support the Environmental Bond! For those who are interested, the final text of the bill will be posted online at http://www.envirobond.org as soon as it is available.

 2) Make Way for Duck Boats: CRWA Announces a Unique Behind-the-Scenes Adventure on the Charles This Fall

On Wednesday, September 24, 2008, CRWA will host “Make Way for Duck Boats,” a dinner and private guided river tour of normally inaccessible sites.  From the dual perspective that only amphibious craft can provide, guests will learn more about our waterway and CRWA’s prominent role in ensuring that redevelopment creates a healthier environment.  A buffet dinner (5:30 p. m. in the Skyline Room of the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge) will kick off the evening with fellowship and a fantastic river view.  Then CRWA expert guides will provide guests on the duck boats with commentary on the river’s history and future.  To learn more about CRWA and our upcoming event, contact Peggy Sunshine at 781-788-0007, x235 or click here for contact info.

Click here to view a PDF version of the invitation.

3) GreenBuild Conference

CRWA is a  bioregional partner for this November’s 2008 GreenBuild conference in Boston - the historic cradle of the American Revolution, home to innovations that have far-reaching impact and the perfect place to celebrate Greenbuild 2008’s theme of “Revolutionary Green: Innovations for Global Sustainability.” Join us at the U.S. Green Building Council’s Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Boston November 19-21, 2008.

Buildings play a critical role in protecting and improving our environment and the health of the people who occupy them. USGBC’s Greenbuild conference and expo is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with other green building peers, industry experts, and influential leaders as they share insights on the green building movement and its diverse specialties. Visit www.greenbuildexpo.org for more information about GreenBuild Boston.