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Dykema and Eldridge Tour Boston Harbor Clean-Up

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Representative Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston) and Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) joined community leaders and advocates from across the state for a tour of Boston Harbor on Thursday. Led by staff from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and the Boston Redevelopment Authority, the tour highlighted the important link between the investment in the Boston Harbor cleanup and the economic revival of the area. The tour also included an up close look at MWRA’s Deer Island Sewage Treatment Plant which is a centerpiece in the clean-up of the Boston Harbor.

“Speaking with Former Governor Dukakis and Federal Judge Richard Stearns about their roles in the Boston Harbor Cleanup is a reminder of the inspiring legacy of investment in our water infrastructure,” said Representative Dykema. “The incredible amount of improved recreational spaces, development along the Boston Harbor and the health of the wildlife in recent years is a testament that these dollars do pay back in countless benefits.”

"It was impressive and energizing to be on the MWRA tour of the Boston Harbor and to receive a detailed history of the 30-year cleanup of the Boston Harbor,” said Senator Eldridge. “It was clear from the tour that the ambitious project has positioned the Boston Harbor region for growth and economic development."

During their remarks to the more than 100 guests, Representative Dykema and Senator Eldridge highlighted the legislative package they filed based on the final recommendations of the Water Infrastructure Finance Commission including:

· Creation of a 10-year Water Infrastructure Bond to fund local drinking water, wastewater and storm water improvements;

· Defining and establishing guidelines for best management practices in long-term planning and financing;

· Promoting innovative water technologies; and

· Conducting a feasibility study relative to implementing watershed based permitting.

“The MWRA Advisory Board tour provided a great opportunity to show our customers first-hand the impact of the Boston Harbor Clean-up project has had all along Boston’s waterfront,” said MWRA Executive Director Fred Laskey. “The leadership that Representative Dykema and Senator Eldridge are providing on the issue of water infrastructure will go a long way in making sure that projects like this get the attention and funding they so desperately need.”

“The MWRA Advisory Board’s goal is to put water and wastewater funding back on the radar screen. Our tour today was to illustrate the direct link between water and wastewater infrastructure investment and economic development,” said MWRA’s Advisory Board Executive Director Joe Favaloro. “Representative Dykema and Senator Eldridge have been instrumental in focusing the Commonwealth’s attention back on water and wastewater projects. We look forward to working with them.”

Photo attached from left to right: former Governor Michael Dukakis, Representative Carolyn Dykema, Senator Jamie Eldridge, the Honorable Richard Stearns and MWRA Executive Director Fred Laskey.