New Hampshire House Bill HB276

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/9/23
• Report Pass: 2/15/23
• Refer: 2/22/23

Caption

Establishing the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund.

Impact

Legislatively, the introduction of HB 276 reflects an important shift in New Hampshire’s approach to environmental management and public health. By establishing a dedicated fund, the bill allows for targeted action against cyanobacteria blooms that have increasingly threatened water quality. The bill appropriates $25 million for the fund, which can provide loans and grants to eligible projects aimed at improving water quality through phosphorus reduction. This financial support is critical for local entities that may otherwise struggle to raise the necessary funds for such costly environmental mitigation efforts.

Summary

House Bill 276 establishes the Cyanobacteria Mitigation Loan and Grant Fund, aimed at tackling the environmental and health concerns associated with cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire's lakes and rivers. The bill recognizes the potential acute and chronic health risks posed by these blooms, often triggered by phosphorus loading from various sources. It seeks to provide financial assistance in the form of low-interest loans to municipalities and watershed associations to fund mitigation efforts addressing these harmful cyanobacteria blooms. The Department of Environmental Services is tasked with administering this new program and ensuring that the funds are effectively utilized for the intended protective measures.

Contention

Notably, the bill outlines specific conditions under which funding can be accessed, requiring applicants to demonstrate that no viable low-cost solutions to reduce phosphorus loading are available. This transparency in funding criteria aims to ensure fiscal responsibility and the effective use of taxpayer dollars. However, challenges may arise in determining the administrative costs associated with managing the program, which include the need for additional staffing and potential unforeseen expenses. The fiscal implications of HB 276 suggest that while the funding facilitates immediate relief, its long-term effectiveness will depend on ongoing state monitoring and evaluation of project outcomes.