State Senator Dylan Fernandes and State Representatives Michelle Badger and Kathleen LaNatra announced that legislation (H.4887) authorizing the Town of Plymouth to establish a dedicated Land Acquisition Fund has been signed into law by Governor Maura Healey.
"This new law gives Plymouth an important tool to preserve the open spaces and natural resources that make our community so special," said Senator Dylan Fernandes. "By creating a dedicated Land Acquisition Fund, the Town will be better positioned to protect valuable land for recreation, conservation, and future generations. I was proud to work with Representatives Michelle Badger and Kathleen LaNatra to get this legislation across the finish line."
The new law authorizes Plymouth to create a special revenue account dedicated to acquiring interests in land for recreation, open space, and other municipal purposes. The fund will be supported by revenues collected under the state's Chapter 61, 61A, and 61B land tax programs, which assess conveyance taxes when protected forest, agricultural, or recreational land is converted to another use.
The legislation was filed at the request of the Town of Plymouth and provides a dedicated funding mechanism for future land acquisitions. Monies deposited into the fund, including any interest earned, will remain in the account and may be appropriated by the Town to acquire land for public purposes.
Representatives Michelle Badger and Kathleen LaNatra partnered with Senator Fernandes to advance the legislation through the Legislature before it was signed into law by Governor Healey on July 7.