Bill > LD1680

This bill establishes a permanent Ferry Oversight Committee to provide continuous oversight of ferry operations in Maine, particularly focusing on unbridged island communities. The committee will consist of 10 members, including two legislators, two members from the Maine State Ferry Advisory Board, two representatives from island municipalities, and four members with expertise in infrastructure, emergency services, economic development, and education. Members will be appointed for two-year terms, with the ability to serve multiple terms, and will elect a chair annually. The committee's primary responsibilities include reviewing transportation department proposals related to ferry operations, examining the impact of ferry service changes on student education, emergency services, service reliability, and island community economic vitality, and submitting annual reports to the legislative transportation committee. The bill also includes a provision for staggered initial appointments, with half the non-legislative members serving one-year terms and half serving two-year terms. The committee is designed to enhance accountability and transparency in ferry services for Maine's island communities.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1680&snum=132