30-A M.R.S. §4461: River corridor commissions encouraged

1. Findings. The Legislature finds that:

A. The effectiveness of local governments in implementing their responsibilities under shoreland zoning can be enhanced by coordination and cooperation among municipalities;

B. River corridor commissions have proven their effectiveness as one mechanism to bring about such coordination and cooperation;

C. Additional river corridor commissions are not likely to be formed without state encouragement and incentives; and

D. Such cooperation serves state interests as stated in Title 12, section 402 and Title 38, chapter 3, subchapter 1, article 2‑B.

2. Purpose. It is the policy of the State to encourage the formation of river corridor commissions. The purpose of this law is to:

A. Clarify the procedures for forming river corridor commissions;

B. Delegate authority to the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to approve acceptable proposals to form the river corridor commissions;

C. Grant additional powers to those river corridor commissions beyond those provided for in chapter 115; and

D. Provide a portion of the funding for the operation of the river corridor commissions.