MassDEP creates Office of Municipal Partnerships

The Department of Environmental Protection on April 16 announced a new office created to help municipal officials better understand MassDEP’s programs and to make agency resources more easily accessible to local governments.

“Municipalities are our important partners in protecting the public health and the environment,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg in a statement. “We are excited to take a fresh look at how we engage with municipalities and develop new approaches to share timely information on our programs.”

The Office of Municipal Partnerships and Governmental Affairs will be located within the commissioner’s office and will be staffed by former MassDEP Chief of Staff Beth Riportella, who will be the contact for local officials, legislators and other governmental agencies. The office will also provide outreach and assistance to cities and towns dealing with MassDEP permits and regulations.

MassDEP says it will continue to modernize its information systems to allow for more permitting and other functions online.

The Office of Municipal Partnerships has a website (www.mass.gov/dep/muni) that includes information and updates on topics such as grants and loans, drinking water, clean energy, waste and recycling, and emergency preparedness.

In addition to the Office of Municipal Partnerships, four regional offices will provide local information and assistance with pre-permitting.

For more information on the Office of Municipal Partnerships and Governmental Affairs, visit mass.gov/dep/muni or contact Beth Riportella at beth.riportella@state.ma.us.