BOSTON – Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) and Representative Hannah E. Kane (R-Shrewsbury) announced that legislation relative to the Lake Quinsigamond Commission was recently signed into law by Governor Charlie Baker.
The Lake Quinsigamond Commission was originally established in 1916. Since then, the Commission has been charged with monitoring, studying, and handling matters relative to the Lake Quinsigamond’s management, in conjunction with the appropriate state boards and agencies.
The new law helps clarify the Commission’s authority to manage environmental and safety matters relative to Lake Quinsigamond and its watershed. The law also expands where the Commission may hold its public meetings thereby increasing accessibility and community involvement.
“The Lake serves thousands of visitors each year and is home to an abundance of wildlife,” said Senator Moore. “Maintaining the water quality, and overseeing the flow of water entering the Lake is critical to public safety, health, and the Lake’s overall sustainability. This legislation will help the Commission carry out their mission to preserve and expand the vibrancy of this aquatic resource.”
“Supporting the Lake Quinsigamond Commission in their preservation and enhancement of this beautiful Lake is of critical importance to our area communities,” stated Representative Kane. “This legislation ensures that the Commission may seek funding from a variety of public and private sources and conduct water quality monitoring, weed abatement treatment, and other duties as necessary so that residents, area businesses and visitors may continue to utilize and truly enjoy Lake Quinsigamond and all that this precious natural resource has to offer.”
“From its formulation in 1916, the Lake Quinsigamond Commission has been a unique focal point of collaboration between the communities bordering Lake Quinsigamond in their efforts to effectively manage the health and safe open use of this great resource,” said Peter Collins, who serves as Chair of the Commission. “Senator Moore and Representative Kane’s unwavering support and guidance of this legislation through the legislative process and onto the Governor’s desk for his signature make this multi-municipal partnership easier and more efficient for all of these communities to manage and fund this important work. This is a great example of how government can and should work.”
The bill was jointly filed by Senator Moore and Representative Kane in January 2017 and was signed into law by the Governor on February 9th as Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2018.