New Hampshire House Bill HB276

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/9/23
• Report Pass: 2/15/23
• Refer: 2/22/23
• Report DNP: 11/15/23

Caption

Establishing the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund.

Impact

The bill allocates $25,000,000 to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services for the establishment and operation of the cyanobacteria mitigation fund. This funding will enable the department to provide low-interest loans and possibly grants to eligible entities, which will help cover the costs of necessary environmental management projects. The funding can also include loans for municipal water systems and watershed associations engaged in remediation efforts, thereby increasing local capacity for addressing water quality issues. Importantly, these funds are expected to play a crucial role in protecting public health while enhancing water sustainability across affected regions.

Summary

House Bill 276 (HB276) establishes a cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund aimed at addressing and mitigating the impact of cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire's lakes and rivers. The bill highlights the dangers posed by these blooms, which can cause serious health issues for humans and animals and are exacerbated by factors such as phosphorus runoff from various sources. To tackle this problem, the bill creates a funding mechanism that supports municipalities and non-profit watershed groups in implementing solutions for reducing phosphorus loading, which is a primary contributor to cyanobacterial growth.

Contention

Despite its positive intent, HB276 may face scrutiny regarding its effectiveness and implementation. There are concerns regarding the adequacy of funding and whether the Department of Environmental Services will have the necessary staffing and resources for administering the loan and grant program. Moreover, the requirement for detailed watershed management plans to qualify for loans could pose challenges for some municipalities. The bill also allows for loan forgiveness under specific conditions, which might raise debates over fiscal responsibility and the prioritization of funding for different needs. Annual evaluations mandated by the bill will be critical in addressing these concerns and ensuring that the program evolves to meet its goals effectively.