An Act To Encourage Regional Planning and Reorganization
Sec. 1. 30-A MRSA §6201, sub-§1, as enacted by PL 2005, c. 266, §2, is amended to read:
Sec. 2. 30-A MRSA §6201, sub-§1-A is enacted to read:
Sec. 3. 30-A MRSA §6201, sub-§§2, 3 and 5, as enacted by PL 2005, c. 266, §2, are amended to read:
(1) Studies to examine alternative methods of achieving collaboration, including those adopted by other municipalities;
(2) Cost-benefit studies; and
(3) Facilitation of community meetings and public outreach and education.
(1) Execution and implementation of an interlocal agreement under chapter 115, a tax base sharing arrangement or another regional government mechanism for achieving collaboration;
(2) Joint strategic planning or comprehensive or capital investment planning;
(3) Public outreach and education;
(4) Collaboration or consolidation of offices or services;
(5) Professional services, such as those provided by attorneys, consultants, facilitators and architects; and
(6) Administrative services and costs, such as photocopying, printing, telephone service and travel costs.
(1) Site, facility, infrastructure or utility system acquisition;
(2) Repair, rehabilitation or renovation of existing facilities;
(3) New construction or expansion of existing facilities; and
(4) Purchase of major equipment or systems.
Administrative and other costs of ongoing operations that would otherwise be budgeted by a municipality, county or regional government subdivision are not eligible costs.
Sec. 4. 30-A MRSA §6205, first and last ¶¶, as enacted by PL 2005, c. 266, §2, are amended to read:
In accordance with the request for proposals issued by the department under section 6209, an eligible applicant may apply for a planning grant , a capital grant or a cooperative services grant from the fund. In order to be eligible for a planning grant , a capital grant or a cooperative services grant, an eligible applicant must demonstrate in its application that the project for which it seeks a grant will be undertaken in cooperation with one or more municipalities, counties or regional government subdivisions.
In applying for a cooperative services grant or a capital grant, an eligible applicant must specify the type of qualifying project for which assistance is sought and how the project will reduce demand for property tax revenues.
Sec. 5. 30-A MRSA §6206, as amended by PL 2007, c. 662, §5, is further amended by adding after the first paragraph a new paragraph to read:
The department may require an eligible applicant to provide matching funds for a capital grant if suggested by the review panel during consultation required under section 6208, subsection 1.
Sec. 6. 30-A MRSA §6207, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 2005, c. 266, §2, is amended to read:
Sec. 7. 30-A MRSA §6208, sub-§1, ¶C, as enacted by PL 2005, c. 266, §2, is amended to read:
Sec. 8. 30-A MRSA §6208, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 2005, c. 266, §2, is amended to read:
Prior to issuing the request for proposals as provided in section 6209, the department shall consult with the review panel, which may suggest criteria for consideration by the department.
Sec. 9. 30-A MRSA §6209, as enacted by PL 2005, c. 266, §2, is amended to read:
§ 6209. Request for proposals
No later than November 1st of each year, the department shall issue a request for proposals in accordance with the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of General Services Rules, Chapter 110 that includes the schedules for submission and action on applications for grants under this chapter; procedures for scoring and ranking those applications; and procedures and information requirements related to application submissions. The department shall provide reasonable notice to all eligible applicants about the availability of the fund and the solicitation of grant proposals.