An Act establishing a Massachusetts Flood Risk Protection Program

This bill creates a statewide Flood Risk Protection Program in Massachusetts to address climate change impacts like sea level rise and flooding. The program uses funds from a dedicated trust to voluntarily purchase properties that are currently or projected to be repeatedly damaged by floods, with the goal of restoring wetlands and creating open space. At least 75% of the funds must go to low-income homeowners or those living in environmental justice communities, and the acquired land must be kept as open space in perpetuity with strict limits on building new permanent structures. The program operates on a voluntary basis, ensuring properties are bought only from willing sellers at fair market value.