BACKGROUND ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL BOND

The Environmental Bond Bill is the single most important environmental bill to be considered by the Legislature. Projects funded through the Environmental Bond directly affect communities across the state by protecting natural areas, safeguarding water quality, restoring rivers and streams, providing for dam removal, supporting working farms, building our economy and improving our quality of life.

The Environmental Bond is the cornerstone of the Commonwealth's long-term investment in its environment. It provides investments over the next five years for local and statewide projects that protect critical natural areas and wetlands, maintain our parks, beaches and bike paths, offer municipal aid, and more.

The Coalition for the Environmental Bond, representing 250 groups and businesses, a combined membership of more than 400,000 Massachusetts families, have united to advocate for passage this legislative session before money for all the programs runs out.

The 2008 Environmental Bond will provide the capital funds for vital state environmental programs over the next five years. The 2002 Environmental Bond Bill (and subsequent "Patch Bonds" in 2004, 2006 & 2007) funded more than 76 different programs with important activities around the state. Funds from the 2002 Bond have been largely used up, and many important programs are running out of money, putting our environment, health and safety at risk. Without a new Environmental Bond, many environmental programs will face major cuts that affect our communities, outdoor recreational activities, and natural resources.

For more information see the website of the Coalition for the Environmental Bond (www.envirobond.org). If you have questions please contact Jeremy Marin at info@envirobond.org.