State Rep. Adam J. Scanlon, who represents North Attleborough, recently marked key legislative actions this week with the passage of two significant bills aimed at boosting Massachusetts’ economy and modernizing its energy infrastructure.
Among the highlights for North Attleborough, $4 million has been earmarked to dredge the Ten Mile River between Whitings and Falls ponds. This section of the river has caused persistent flooding in the downtown area, affecting businesses, homes and emergency response times. The project will involve repairing stone walls and re-establishing overflow ponds to improve the river’s capacity.
“This funding is critical for North Attleborough,” said Scanlon. “It will not only protect our downtown investments but also reduce the risk to property and improve public safety. I’m committed to ensuring the governor’s office acts quickly to execute these bonds so this work can begin.”
The $3.96 billion economic development bill (H.5100) is designed to fuel small business growth, enhance local infrastructure and invest in cultural initiatives across the state. For North Attleborough, one of the most significant provisions is a measure allowing breweries and distilleries to sell their products at farmers’ markets.
Scanlon, who worked on the initiative, described it as a “common-sense way to support small businesses and provide consumers with more options.”
The bill also includes a new tax credit of up to $7 million annually to bolster local theater productions. This funding will support Massachusetts artists aiming to take their work to Broadway or launch national tours, ensuring the state remains a hub for creative talent.
In addition to these industry-specific measures, the legislation allocates $150 million for public library projects, $90 million for addressing blighted properties and $3 million for revitalizing downtown areas like North Attleborough’s commercial district.
The clean energy bill (S.2967) includes measures to modernize Massachusetts’ energy infrastructure, diversify energy sources and expand clean energy storage. The legislation establishes a unified permitting process for large-scale projects, consolidating state and local applications to reduce delays. Projects requiring state, regional and local permits will now operate under a single permit process with fixed timelines.
The bill extends the MOR-EV program through 2027, providing rebates of $3,500 to $6,000 for qualifying electric vehicles. It also introduces provisions to establish a statewide network of fast-charging hubs along highways and simplifies the installation of pole-mounted chargers in streets and parking lots. Additionally, the legislation supports municipal efforts to procure electric school buses and EV charging equipment.
Through this bill, the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program is expanded to increase affordability and access for low-income customers. New provisions also allow condominium boards to install energy-efficient devices and EV chargers in shared spaces.
The legislation also extends future offshore wind contracts to terms of up to 30 years and includes updates to historic district laws to facilitate solar energy deployment.
The bill directs several state agencies to evaluate the climate impacts of their operations. The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) will explore emissions reduction options for state buildings, and Massport will focus on reducing emissions in its commercial operations. It also expands the mission of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards to include reducing emissions and embodied carbon.
Scanlon emphasized that these legislative wins underscore his commitment to securing resources for North Attleborough.
“From flood mitigation to small business support, these bills will deliver real benefits for our community and help us prepare for a sustainable and prosperous future,” he said.
The bills now await Gov. Maura Healey’s signature.
