The Massachusetts Senate passed the Mass Ready Act Wednesday, an environmental bond bill that takes action to support the removal of ‘forever chemicals’ from drinking water, help municipalities withstand floods and droughts, and make outdoor recreation possible for more residents through improved trails and parks.

The bill—S.3050, formally known as An Act to build resilience for Massachusetts communities—features policy proposals such as the preservation of public beach access, expedited timelines for culvert replacement projects, and requirements to inform prospective homebuyers and renters of flood risks, in addition to $3.94 billion in bonding authorizations.

“I am pleased to vote in support of the Mass Ready Act (S.3050), a comprehensive legislative initiative aimed at strengthening Massachusetts’ environmental defenses. Through targeted investments in climate resilience and critical infrastructure, combined with practical policy reforms, this legislation ensures long-term protection for our natural resources and communities,” said Senator Vanna Howard (D-Lowell). “I extend my sincere gratitude to Senator Rausch’s efforts in bringing this comprehensive legislation to the Senate floor. I would also like to thank Senate President Spilka, Senate Ways and Means Chair Rodrigues, and all my Senate colleagues for their diligent work and collaboration on this crucial bill. As we approach Earth Day next week, I am pleased the State Senate took this action to protect the planet that we all must share and support.”

Locally, the legislation included $5 million in bond authorizations for projects in the First Middlesex District, a million of which went to each community in her district, including Lowell and Dracut.  Senator Howard filed amendments to support environmental infrastructure projects in all five district communities.

• $1 million for Riverview Park in Lowell
• $1 million for environmental projects in Dracut

Although all of these authorizations still need executive action to be included in the capital improvement plan, this bill represents an important first step in securing funding for these important projects.

This $5 million in bond authorizations comes a week after the senator was able to secure $750,000 in FY26 supplemental appropriations for educational and transportation projects during the Fair Share Supplemental Budget Bill. Educational amendments included:

• $150,000 for improvements to the Bailey Elementary School playground in Lowell
• $75,000 towards the Lowell Community Charter Public School’s community and athletic center
• $75,000 for the Greater Lowell Technical High School’s soccer field
• $35,000 for Fortaleza’s education programs in the Lowell Public Schools

Transportation-related amendments included $115,000 for pedestrian safety beacons in the City of Lowell at high incident intersections.

The legislation also includes the establishment of a local option for Massachusetts cities and towns to ban the use of anticoagulant rodenticides, a long-time priority of Senator Howard and championed by the Lowell City Council and City Administration.

While anticoagulant poisons are targeted at killing rodents, they can prove a danger to pets or travel up the food chain and harm or kill other animals such as eagles and hawks.

Howard was a co-sponsor of both the House and Senate bills for statewide action and also introduced the home rule petition from the Lowell City Council as a member of the House of Representatives. The amendment was introduced by Senator Michael Moore (D-Worcester) and co-sponsored by Senator Howard and was approved by the entire senate.

The bill passed by the Senate Wednesday was redrafted and reported to the full body by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means with a 15-0 vote on April 8, 2026. The Senate passed the bill on a 36-3 roll call vote and sent it to the House of Representatives for further review.