Today, a legislative committee held a public hearing on a bill that would transfer state land to the city for development after the Route 79-Davol Street reconstruction project.
The bill was filed by State Representative Carole Fiola, seeking Fall River Development Authority control of the 19 acres of land that can be developed once the construction project is complete.
Mayor Paul Coogan testified before the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight in favor of the move, stating that the Redevelopment Authority has invested in the project and is in the best position to move it forward.
The mayor feels that if the transfer is approved, it is likely the city will not need to reimburse the state to finalize the transaction.
The bill needs to be approved by the committee and both houses of the state legislature before signed by Governor Maura Healey before the city can take control of the property.
