Healey Administration looks to boost disaster prevention

BOSTON, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - The Healey Driscoll Administration testified Tuesday in support of the Mass Ready Act which proposes billions in funding for safe homes, reliable roads, and clean water in part, to help prepare us for an extreme weather event.

It’s all to keep bay staters safe by focusing on crucial infrastructure upgrades, to things like dams, bridges, and culverts.

While the legislation was introduced last month, the devastating flooding in Texas and the damage in Chester show us why the Healey administration is pushing for the $3,000,000,000 investment.

“It’s about making sure were not waiting for the next disaster to come up, with solutions but instead really thinking about how we can stay two steps ahead of what’s impacting the places we live and the places that we love.” Said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.

On Tuesday, the Healey Driscoll Administration testifying in support of the Mass Ready Act.

The $3 billion investment is meant help the bay state prepare for extreme weather like flooding, heatwaves and wildfires by focusing on strengthening infrastructure, protecting nature, and putting money into farms.

The act would also streamline permitting processes for housing and natural infrastructure projects, ultimately helping communities get priority projects done quicker and at a lower cost.

“We really feel like the permitting reform that’s included in this bill will lead us to the same environmental outcomes that we have as goals but can do so in a faster way and a way that’s less opaque and give more certainty to projects.” Driscoll added.

Tuesday’s discussion coming in the wake of devastating flooding in Texas and Monday night’s flash flooding right here in Massachusetts. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll testified.

The act would improve infrastructure for residents to get around safely during intense and potentially tragic weather conditions: “It’ll help our cities and town avoid the damage in costs that come with all kinds of major weather events, and this bill will help our cities and towns plan. As a former mayor I’ve seen how strict municipal budgets can become especially in the time of disaster.”

The Lt. Governor said that the bill aims at helping not only large cities in the state, but smaller towns to help them get the work done that they need. Instead of being stuck waiting on funding or permits.

“Smaller towns, who are so challenged, about their per capita expenditures, many of which have much larger geography much less tools within their town hall to write grants and do all that we can to provide that technical assistance to make it as easy as possible.”

Governor Maura Healey releasing a statement showing her support for the bill saying:

“The Mass Ready Act is about making Massachusetts a place where families are safe, businesses can grow and communities are prepared for the future....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.”

The Mass Ready Act has gotten support from several local groups including the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and the Franklin Regional Council of Governments.