https://www.mass.gov/info-details/mass-ready-act
On June 24, 2025, Governor Healey filed the Mass Ready Act to strengthen and protect Massachusetts communities. This legislation focuses on crucial infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to dams, bridges, and culverts.
Key reforms include streamlining permitting for priority housing, culvert replacements, and salt marsh restoration projects by cutting redundant reviews and improving coordination. The bill protects drinking water, waterways, and vital habitats for wildlife. Finally, the Mass Ready Act invests in local economies by supporting farmers, ensuring families have access to fresh, local produce and seafood, and providing communities with resources to reduce flood and heat risk.
Table of Contents
- Strengthening Our Infrastructure
- Investing in Farms and Local Economies
- Protecting Water and Nature
- Housing & Environment Permitting Reform
- Supporting Western and Central Mass
Strengthening Our InfrastructuretopTable of Contents
Policy Brief: Overview Bill Text
“The Mass Ready Act is a practical investment in the things that matter most to our daily lives – safe homes, reliable roads, clean water and strong neighborhoods. By cutting down the wait time for permits, we can start building housing, repairing infrastructure, and lowering costs sooner. This legislation will help our communities get ready for the challenges ahead and make sure our families and neighborhoods stay safe.”
— Governor Maura T. Healey
Strengthening Our Infrastructure
The Mass Ready Act strengthens our infrastructure to protect our homes, businesses, and communities, with a focus on increasing flood risk. Due to increasing rainfall and rising sea levels, floods have become more likely. This bill aims to address these challenges by allocating funding to enhance our flood protection efforts, including:
- $308 million to address high-risk dams, inland flood control systems, and coastal and marine infrastructure;
- $200 million to implement ResilientCoasts recommendations;
- $587 million to invest in parks, trails, beaches, and historic sites;
- $177 million to improve transportation infrastructure, including bike lanes, greenways, and pedestrian bridges; and,
- $28 million to manage solid waste and decrease pollution
The bill simplifies the environmental permitting process for priority housing and urgent infrastructure needs, including municipal culvert replacements and other natural restoration projects intended to restore ecosystems and support climate resiliency. The bill includes key actions to respond to recommendations from the Governor’s Unlocking Housing Production Commission.
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