Bill > LD1637

This bill reforms the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) by expanding its goals, modifying its board of trustees, and introducing new environmental protections. The bill adds a third goal to the MRRA's mission: environmental stewardship to protect against harm to the environment and local residents. It increases the board of trustees from 11 to 12 members, with specific changes to board composition, including requiring at least 3 trustees from Brunswick and one from Topsham. The bill also adds two state department commissioners as ex officio voting members and allows the Brunswick town council to provide a preapproved list of candidates for one trustee position. Additionally, the bill subjects all MRRA-held property to the Uniform Environmental Covenants Act and requires the board to establish environmental covenants for all its properties by January 1, 2027. The legislation also exempts MRRA-controlled properties from certain existing development regulations, streamlining the redevelopment process while emphasizing environmental responsibility. These changes aim to enhance the authority's ability to redevelop former military base properties while ensuring environmental protection and local community representation.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1637&snum=132