Senator Nick Collins recently secured several key amendments in the Senate’s passage of the Mass Ready Act, a major environmental bond bill focused on strengthening climate resilience, protecting natural resources, and supporting communities across Massachusetts.
The legislation—S.3050, An Act to build resilience for Massachusetts communities—authorizes $3.94 billion in investments to address climate change, improve water infrastructure, and expand access to outdoor recreation, while also advancing policies to reduce pollution and increase environmental protections.
“In a district like mine, where our communities are closely tied to the coastline, we see firsthand why now is the time to prepare for the realities of climate change,” said Senator Collins. “That means making real investments in resilience so people can continue to live and work along our waterfront with confidence. These are important wins for the First Suffolk, and they strengthen a coastline that communities across Massachusetts rely on.”
The Senate’s Mass Ready Act includes major statewide investments, including $500 million for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program, $120 million for PFAS remediation in drinking water, and $50 million for MassTrails grants to expand recreational access.
In addition to these statewide initiatives, Senator Collins secured amendments to direct funding and resources to critical projects across the First Suffolk district and the City of Boston, including:
• South Boston Community Health Center
Secures $200,000 for the acquisition of electric vehicle vans and installation of charging infrastructure to support community-based health services.
• Boston Water and Sewer Commission Projects
Directs $2.5 million for resiliency and stormwater discharge projects in South Boston and Dorchester, including support for the Reserve Channel Storm Surge Barrier.
• Boston Children’s Museum
Provides $1 million for climate resiliency and preservation efforts, including infrastructure upgrades to address climate impacts along the Fort Point Channel.
• Old Harbor Reservation
Secures $1 million for maintenance and improvements across the Old Harbor Reservation, including Dahill Rest infrastructure, Kelly’s Landing, Castle Island, the World War II Memorial, the Admiral David Farragut statue, a satellite horse barn for the State Police mounted unit and Columbia Road.
• Southwest Corridor Park
Provides $1 million for park maintenance and improvements, including resurfacing, signage, and greenspace investments.
• Nature-Based Coastal Research
Directs $1 million for waterfront and Boston Harbor Islands research and monitoring projects, including support for the Stone Living Lab.
• Boston Harborwalk
Secures $350,000 for public safety improvements, including the installation of life ring cabinets at key locations along the Harborwalk.
• Park Improvements and Community Investments
Secures $450,000 for improvements at Reggie Wong Memorial Park, the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, and Town Field Park.
Senator Collins also co-sponsored an amendment to strengthen oversight of water infrastructure needs across the Commonwealth by enhancing the role of the Water Infrastructure Advisory Committee, ensuring continued evaluation of funding gaps, environmental compliance costs, and long-term infrastructure planning.
The bill also includes a range of policy reforms aimed at reducing pollution and improving environmental protections, including restrictions on single-use plastic bags, expanded disclosure of flood risks, and expedited timelines for climate-resilient infrastructure projects.
The Mass Ready Act now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.