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What SB 493 Does
SB 493 gives communities a new, voluntary way to work together to protect lake water quality and address cyanobacteria blooms. The bill allows the use of village districts, which are voter-approved, limited-purpose local governments created to address a specific issue.
Under SB 493, village districts could be formed specifically to focus on cyanobacteria mitigation and water quality protection. They could work with neighboring towns, apply for state and federal funding, and set aside funds for water quality projects.
While 10 residents may petition to consider a village district, the district can only be created if voters within the proposed area approve it. It is important to note that SB 493 does not restrict lake access or on-water activities.
Why SB 493 Matters
Water quality problems don’t stop at town lines. Many lakes and watersheds span multiple towns, but local governments are set up to act one town at a time. SB 493 gives lake communities the option to work together across municipal boundaries around lakes using one focused governing body.
Village districts can make lake protection efforts more coordinated and efficient, while easing the burden on individual towns that may lack staff, funding, or technical expertise. Residents and businesses would benefit from consistent programs, clear guidance, and support to protect the health of the lake that is so critical to them and their community.
With increasing threats to New Hampshire’s lakes, SB 493 offers communities a practical, voluntary tool to protect clean water, public health, recreation, and local economies.
Hearing: Tuesday, February 10, 9:40 a.m.State House, Room 103
Sign In Online in Support:
STEP 1: Register your SUPPORT online!
Please note that the Senate online sign-in form differs from the House sign-in form.
Go to the online Senate Sign-in Sheet.
- Select the hearing date: February 10
- Select the committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources
- Choose the bill: 9:40 a.m. - SB 493
- I am: A member of the public
- I'm representing: myself
- Indicate your position on this bill: I support this bill.
- Select “Continue” at the bottom of the page.
- Provide your personal information.
- Select “Continue” at the bottom of the page.
- Click the box that says “By clicking this checkbox, you agree…”
- Select “Continue” at the bottom of the page.
- Now, email the committee your comments. See step #2 below.
STEP 2: Email the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to tell them why you support the bill!
Sending a short email with a personal story about why you support this bill can make a BIG impact!
Copy and paste the following email addresses into the "to" line of your email:
Kevin.Avard@gc.nh.gov; Howard.Pearl@gc.nh.gov; mark.mcconkey@gc.nh.gov;Cindy.Rosenwald@gc.nh.gov; David.Watters@gc.nh.gov; joshua.schauer@gc.nh.gov
And, please cc Andrea of NH Lakes on your emails: alamoreaux@nhlakes.org
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SUPPORT Funding to Fight Cyanobacteria
SB 598, establishing the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund task force
What SB 598 Does
SB 598 establishes a task force to identify sustainable, long-term funding sources for New Hampshire’s Cyanobacteria Mitigation Loan and Grant Fund. The task force brings together legislators, state agencies, and local stakeholders to develop practical, collaborative solutions informed by both policy and on-the-ground experience. The task force is charged with exploring a range of funding strategies and submitting findings and legislative recommendations.
Why SB 598 Matters
Toxic cyanobacteria blooms are increasing across New Hampshire’s lakes and rivers, threatening public health, drinking water, recreation, property values, and local economies.
The Cyanobacteria Mitigation Loan and Grant Fund, created in 2023, has already helped nonprofit lake and watershed organizations implement proven solutions such as runoff controls, shoreline and watershed restoration, and nutrient-reduction projects. These efforts protect water quality, reduce the risk of blooms, and strengthen community resilience. However, the fund is now nearly depleted, even as demand for assistance continues to grow.
There is no single solution to funding cyanobacteria mitigation at the scale needed statewide. SB 598 is a critical step toward developing stable, long-term funding solutions that reflect the shared responsibility of everyone who benefits from clean, healthy lakes and rivers.
Hearing: Tuesday, February 10, 9:30 a.m.State House, Room 103
Sign In Online in Support:
STEP 1: Register your SUPPORT online!
Please note that the Senate online sign-in form differs from the House sign-in form.
- Select the hearing date: February 10
- Select the committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources
- Choose the bill: 9:30 a.m. - SB 598
- I am: A member of the public
- I'm representing: myself
- Indicate your position on this bill: I support this bill
- Select “Continue” at the bottom of the page.
- Provide your personal information.
- Select “Continue” at the bottom of the page.
- Click the box that says “By clicking this checkbox, you agree…”
- Select “Continue” at the bottom of the page.
- Now, email the committee your comments. See step #2 below.
STEP 2: Email the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to tell them why you support the bill!
Sending a short email with a personal story about why you support this bill can make a BIG impact!
Copy and paste the following email addresses into the "to" line of your email:
Kevin.Avard@gc.nh.gov; Howard.Pearl@gc.nh.gov; mark.mcconkey@gc.nh.gov; Cindy.Rosenwald@gc.nh.gov; David.Watters@gc.nh.gov; joshua.schauer@gc.nh.gov
And, please cc Andrea of NH Lakes on your emails: alamoreaux@nhlakes.org
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