Bill > LD1625

This bill establishes the Maine Working Waterfront Preservation Program and the Maine Working Waterfront Preservation Fund to protect and maintain coastal properties critical to commercial fishing businesses in Maine. The legislation expands the definition of "working waterfront" to include legally filled lands and aquatic habitats for aquaculture, and creates a comprehensive framework for preserving these economically significant properties. The bill allows the Department of Marine Resources to administer the program directly or through a contracted organization, and establishes a review panel to evaluate potential working waterfront properties for preservation. Key provisions include creating a fund to acquire working waterfront properties, requiring matching funds from grant recipients, and prioritizing sites of statewide or regional significance that provide access to coastal waters and aquatic habitats for commercial fishing. The legislation also allows for minor capital investments in preserved properties, such as improvements to public access and developing business plans, with strict limitations on the amount that can be spent. Additionally, the bill gives the Commissioner of Marine Resources a right of first refusal on any acquired properties and the ability to terminate grant agreements if the public purposes are no longer served. The overall goal is to protect Maine's commercial fishing infrastructure and ensure the long-term sustainability of this critical economic sector.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1625&snum=132