Lawmakers allocate PFAS bond funds to Southern New Hampshire water project, commissioner says

Chair opened a work session on Senate Bill 541, which would authorize capital appropriations for regional drinking-water infrastructure and allow use of previously allocated PFAS‑bond funds toward the Southern New Hampshire regional water project.

Bob Scott, commissioner with the Department of Environmental Services, told the committee the bill "does two things": it would allow use of already‑allocated PFAS bond funds for the Southern New Hampshire project and would rescope monies for Pillsbury Lake. He said several water bodies cited as potential sources do not meet forthcoming federal standards and would need treatment.

Representative Ronn asked whether Saint‑Gobain funding had underwritten prior work on PFAS; Commissioner Scott said there is a consent decree covering a large area but the $5 million referenced for the Southern New Hampshire project is outside the area he characterized as Saint‑Gobain impact. He said reallocating funds should allow towns greater capacity and choice about whether to take certain water bodies offline.

Representative Bunts asked whether reallocating the $50 million pot would delay other projects; Scott said the $50 million was set up for drinking-water systems and he did not see Coakley (a landfill remediation) as the same category. He said not all PFAS issues can be resolved with current funds and hoped for more funding in the future.

After discussion, the committee moved SB 541 into executive session and recorded a 9–0 roll‑call recommendation to pass (OTP).

The bill advances with an expressed intent to direct PFAS‑related bonding toward regional drinking‑water infrastructure needs.