BOSTON (SHNS) - Cities and towns could gain a new funding stream to cover water infrastructure costs under legislation that's quietly gaining traction in the Legislature.

The House on Monday gave initial approval to a bill sponsored by Rep. Ted Philips (H 2324) that would allow municipalities, water or wastewater districts, and stormwater utilities to collect a "reasonable fee" to offset costs from increased water withdrawals and other environmental impacts caused by new developments.

A companion bill from Sen. Jamie Eldridge (S 1443) is before the Senate Ways and Means Committee, after getting a favorable report July 31 from the Municipalities and Regional Government Committee.

If adopted by local governing bodies, the fees would flow into "Sustainable Water Resource Funds" that could

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