Proposal builds on Mass Ready Act to strengthen coastal protection and streamline climate projects

Ahead of this week’s debate on the Mass Ready Act, Senator Nick Collins has filed a series of amendments aimed at strengthening climate resilience in South Boston, the South End, Back Bay, and surrounding coastal communities.

The Mass Ready Act is a $3.64 billion environmental bond bill focused on protecting infrastructure from climate change and severe weather, safeguarding drinking water, and advancing environmental protection. The legislation also includes funding for coastal infrastructure, water system upgrades, and local resilience planning, while establishing new protections around flood risk and environmental impacts.

“In meetings with constituents who live and work along our coastline, we consistently hear a call for action,” said Senator Collins. “This bill and these amendments are about meeting that moment with urgency and ensuring we are not held back by unnecessary bureaucratic delays.”

Senator Collins’ amendments build on that framework with a focus on Boston’s waterfront communities.

A central component of the proposal establishes a commission on resilient urban coasts, designed to identify barriers that delay climate resilience projects and recommend ways to streamline permitting. The goal is to move projects forward more quickly and support solutions that protect entire neighborhoods.

In addition to the commission, the amendments include targeted investments across South Boston’s waterfront, including funding for resilience improvements at Castle Island, Moakley Park, and along Columbia Road, as well as upgrades near Kelly’s Landing, the WWII Memorial, and the Admiral David Farragut statue.

The proposal also includes a major investment in the Boston Harbor Islands to support critical improvements and protect a key regional resource.

Together, the amendments are designed to strengthen flood protection, improve coordination, and help communities better prepare for sea level rise and coastal flooding.

The Mass Ready Act is expected to be taken up by the Senate later this week.