Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §8908 is enacted to read:

§8908.__Aerial Fire Suppression Fund

1.__Establishment of fund.__The Aerial Fire Suppression Fund, referred to in this section as "the fund," is established as a nonlapsing fund under the jurisdiction of the bureau to ensure the viability of its aerial fire suppression program.__The bureau may assess charges to agencies of the State for the use of the bureau's aerial fire suppression resources for purposes other than fire suppression.__The bureau may apply for and accept any appropriation, grant, gift or service made available from any public or private source consistent with the purpose of this section and shall deposit any such money into the fund.

2.__Use of fund.__The bureau may use the fund to purchase aerial fire suppression resources, including helicopters, airplanes and spare parts, in accordance with the bureau's plan to diversify and modernize its aerial fire suppression fleet.

SUMMARY

This bill establishes a dedicated account within the Department of Conservation, Bureau of Forestry to accept reimbursement funds related to the use of the department's aerial fire suppression resources. Funds in the account accrue and are used to upgrade, maintain and support the bureau's aerial fire suppression fleet.