Resolve, Regarding the Maine State Cultural Building in Augusta

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  the Maine State Cultural Building is experiencing a severe shortage of archive space and physical building damage that could lead to the loss of cultural artifacts, books and archived records; and

Whereas,  the task force established in Resolve 2005, chapter 168 will need time to develop options for the improvement of the Maine State Cultural Building and to investigate funding sources; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Resolve 2005, c. 168, §1, amended. Resolved: That Resolve 2005, c. 168, §1 is amended to read:

Sec. 1. Secretary of State directed to establish task force to develop plan for cultural building in Augusta. Resolved: That the Secretary of State shall establish a task force to develop a plan for the Maine State Cultural Building. The task force shall include representatives from the Capitol Planning Commission; the Maine Historic Preservation Commission; the Maine State Library; the Maine State Museum; the Maine State Archives; the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of General Services; the University of Maine System; the City of Augusta; the Maine Archives and Museums Association; the Maine Library Association; the Department of Transportation; the judicial branch; and other individuals or organizations with a demonstrated interest in the cultural affairs of the State; and be it further

Sec. 2. Resolve 2005, c. 168, §3, amended. Resolved: That Resolve 2005, c. 168, §3 is amended to read:

Sec. 3. Report and recommendations. Resolved: That the task force established in section 1 shall report its findings and recommendations under section 2, including any suggested legislation jointly to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over state and local government matters and the Capitol Planning Commission no later than January 15, 2007 and a 2nd report that includes fiscal estimates by November 15, 2007; and be it further

Sec. 3. Resolve 2005, c. 168, §4, amended. Resolved: That Resolve 2005, c. 168, §4 is amended to read:

Sec. 4. Authority to report out legislation. Resolved: That the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over state and local government matters is authorized to report out legislation concerning the finding and recommendations under section 2 to the First Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature . and to the Second Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature; and be it further

Sec. 4. Resolve 2005, c. 168, §5, enacted. Resolved: That Resolve 2005, c. 168, §5 is enacted to read:

Sec. 5. Outside consultant authorized. Resolved: That the Secretary of State shall, on behalf of the task force established under section 1, contract with an outside consultant with experience in the architecture of public or museum buildings.

Sec. 5. Appropriations and allocations. Resolved: That the following appropriations and allocations are made.

SECRETARY OF STATE, OFFICE OF THE

Initiative: Provides funds for an architectural consultant.

GENERAL FUND	2007-08	2008-09
All Other	$100,000	$0
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$100,000	$0

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

summary

This resolve amends Resolve 2005, chapter 168, which established a task force to develop a plan for the Maine State Cultural Building in Augusta. It adds to the existing membership of the task force representatives of the Department of Transportation and the judicial branch. It requires the task force to submit a 2nd report by November 15, 2007 with any recommendations regarding the cultural building. The bill also provides an appropriation of $100,000 to contract with an architectural consultant and give the Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government authority to submit legislation to the Second Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature.