Massachusetts General Laws Part I. Administration of the Government (Ch. 1-182) Ch. 91, § 29

A county or town may appropriate money for the improvement of tidal and non-tidal rivers and streams, harbors, tide waters, foreshores and shores along a public beach within its jurisdiction, and the money so appropriated shall be paid to the state treasurer and be expended by the department for said purposes within the limits of such town; and the town may also assume liability for all damages to property suffered by any person by any taking of land, or of any right, interest or easement therein, within the town made by said department for the purposes hereinbefore authorized.