22 March, 2011
The Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture held a public hearing today on bills filed by Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) and Representative Chris Walsh (D-Framingham) aimed at increasing public access to Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) aqueducts.
An Act relative to the public use of the Commonwealth's aqueducts" (Senate Bill 381/House Bill 1167) would allow the public to use all aqueducts owned by the MWRA for passive recreation, free of charge, unless the board of directors of the MWRA vote to prohibit access on a particular area for security reasons. Motorized vehicles would continue to be prohibited on the aqueducts.
Other cities and towns have successfully transformed aqueducts into passive recreational trails, including Newton, Wellesley and Natick. In August 2010, the MWRA gave Natick permission, free of charge, to use its 1.25 mile stretch of aqueducts as a wooded walking trail, which can potentially link to other trails in the MetroWest area.
"Aqueducts are excellent resources for linking existing trails and open space, and can be transformed and used for recreational trails for the enjoyment of the community without harming the environment," stated Senator Spilka. "I was excited to assist Natick in their efforts and I hope these bills can provide that same benefit to other communities in the MetroWest."
"It's really a matter of fairness; we have been excluded from using what amounts to some of the best public amenities in our community by a short sighted policy from Boston," stated Representative Walsh. "It is time we had a partner in improving the quality of our surroundings through imaginative use of the existing right of ways. Not only are these stunning linear parks that stitch our community together, but will be real opportunities for creating a healthy walkable community."
Currently, not all cities and towns in the MetroWest have the ability to fully utilize their aqueducts. These bills would help these communities receive the same benefits and recreation opportunities enjoyed by their neighbors.
The Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture will next consider whether to vote the bills out favorably, so they can go to the House or Senate floor for debate.
