Representative Don Humason



June 30, 2008 KNAPIK, HUMASON AND KOCOT ANNOUNCE PASSAGE OF LOCAL LEGISLATION Boston –Senator Michael R. Knapik (R-Westfield), Representative Peter Kocot (D-Northampton) and Representative Don Humason (R-Westfield) announced that Senate Bill 2674, An Act Authorizing the Department of Fish and Game to Acquire a Conservation Restriction on Lands of the City of Westfield, has been passed unanimously through the Legislature and sent to the Governor, who is expected to sign this piece of legislation today. This bill would allow for the conservation of 2,278 acres of wildlife habitat in the Montgomery Reservoir watershed. The lands, located in the Town of Montgomery and the City of Westfield, were acquired by the Westfield Water Department as watershed lands in an effort to protect the City’s emergency water supply. “Preserving and protecting open space has been a top priority in Western Massachusetts,” said Senator Knapik. “I am pleased that we are able to preserve Massachusetts’ unique natural heritage and recreational resources at a time when undeveloped land is at a premium,” said Knapik. “The $1 million that the city will receive from this transaction could not come at a better time,” he continued. An amendment offered by Representative Peter Kocot would create a working group to facilitate the collaboration between Montgomery and Westfield by planning for public access, law enforcement, open space, habitat protection, water supply protection, recreation regulations, and any other issues or concerns that may arise on the property. “The working group is a vital part of this piece of legislation,” said Kocot. “We want to make sure that all parties involved will be on same page when any complications or important decisions may come about,” he continued. With the passage of this legislation the Commonwealth will place a conservation restriction on this property and protect a significant wildlife and fish habitat and provide the citizens of Massachusetts with an opportunity to enjoy this rugged terrain for recreational purposes. More importantly, this land will now be protected from development and protect Westfield’s emergency water source. "This law is a win-win for the Commonwealth and the city of Westfield," said Humason. "The city benefits from the revenue, our citizens benefit from access to the land, and the Commonwealth benefits by conserving the land for wildlife protection and habitat. I applaud the local officials of Montgomery and Westfield, as well as my colleagues at the State House, for making this a reality," he continued. * * * Representative Don Humason and his legislative aide Sarah Latour may be reached at their Westfield District office, 64 Noble Street, Westfield, MA 01085, 568-1366. Their Boston address is State House Room 542, Boston, MA 02133, (617) 722-2803. Email address: Rep.DonaldHumason@Hou.state.ma.us Website: www.DonHumason.org
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June 30, 2008

KNAPIK, HUMASON AND KOCOT ANNOUNCE PASSAGE OF LOCAL LEGISLATION

Boston –Senator Michael R. Knapik (R-Westfield), Representative Peter Kocot (D-Northampton) and Representative Don Humason (R-Westfield) announced that Senate Bill 2674, An Act Authorizing the Department of Fish and Game to Acquire a Conservation Restriction on Lands of the City of Westfield, has been passed unanimously through the Legislature and sent to the Governor, who is expected to sign this piece of legislation today.

This bill would allow for the conservation of 2,278 acres of wildlife habitat in the Montgomery Reservoir watershed. The lands, located in the Town of Montgomery and the City of Westfield, were acquired by the Westfield Water Department as watershed lands in an effort to protect the City’s emergency water supply.

“Preserving and protecting open space has been a top priority in Western Massachusetts,” said Senator Knapik. “I am pleased that we are able to preserve Massachusetts’ unique natural heritage and recreational resources at a time when undeveloped land is at a premium,” said Knapik. “The $1 million that the city will receive from this transaction could not come at a better time,” he continued.

An amendment offered by Representative Peter Kocot would create a working group to facilitate the collaboration between Montgomery and Westfield by planning for public access, law enforcement, open space, habitat protection, water supply protection, recreation regulations, and any other issues or concerns that may arise on the property. “The working group is a vital part of this piece of legislation,” said Kocot. “We want to make sure that all parties involved will be on same page when any complications or important decisions may come about,” he continued.

With the passage of this legislation the Commonwealth will place a conservation restriction on this property and protect a significant wildlife and fish habitat and provide the citizens of Massachusetts with an opportunity to enjoy this rugged terrain for recreational purposes. More importantly, this land will now be protected from development and protect Westfield’s emergency water source.

"This law is a win-win for the Commonwealth and the city of Westfield," said Humason. "The city benefits from the revenue, our citizens benefit from access to the land, and the Commonwealth benefits by conserving the land for wildlife protection and habitat. I applaud the local officials of Montgomery and Westfield, as well as my colleagues at the State House, for making this a reality," he continued.

* * *

Representative Don Humason and his legislative aide Sarah Latour may be reached at their Westfield District office, 64 Noble Street, Westfield, MA 01085, 568-1366.

Their Boston address is State House Room 542, Boston, MA 02133, (617) 722-2803.
Email address: Rep.DonaldHumason@Hou.state.ma.us

Website: www.DonHumason.org

This Site Designed and Maintained by: The Barre Group