The Massachusetts Legislature passed a sweeping economic development bill on Thursday, authorizing a nearly $4 billion infusion into the state’s economy.

The legislation would remove the 43 acre site of the old power plant from a "designated port area," which means, at present, it could only be used for industrial use.

Beacon Hill Democrats released compromise legislation Tuesday that clears the way for a soccer stadium in Everett and shuttles millions to the life sciences sector but ditches proposals on local