Amendment H.5637

This bill authorizes state officials to grant Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC a permanent right-of-way and easement across approximately 5.27 acres of land in Bourne that is currently protected for wildlife conservation and public recreation. In exchange, the company must transfer an approximately 7-acre parcel to the Commonwealth to ensure there is no net loss of protected habitat under state constitutional requirements. An independent appraisal will determine the fair market value of these interests, and any excess compensation paid by the gas company will be deposited into a Biodiversity Fund for future land acquisitions. The bill also requires Algonquin Gas Transmission to cover all engineering, surveying, and administrative costs associated with completing the land transfer.