Resolve, Directing the Secretary of State To Establish a Task Force To Develop a Plan for 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 this resolve 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. 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 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; and other individuals or organizations with a demonstrated interest in the cultural affairs of the State; and be it further

Sec. 2. Task force duties. Resolved: That the task force established in section 1 shall examine and make recommendations regarding the following issues concerning the Maine State Cultural Building:

1. Space limitations, mechanical problems, energy inefficiencies and physical deterioration;

2. The possibility of constructing a new building;

3. Obtaining federal sources of funds to be used for upgrading and expanding cultural facilities in Augusta;

4. Obtaining private sources of funds to be used for upgrading and expanding cultural facilities in Augusta; and

5. Ways for the State to work collaboratively with universities to develop cooperative agreements to meet the cultural needs of the State; and be it further

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 to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over state and local government matters no later than January 15, 2007; and be it further

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.

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

SUMMARY

This resolve directs the Secretary of State to establish a task force to look at the long-term needs of the Maine State Cultural Building, including the possibility of constructing a new building. The task force shall consider the issues of space limitations, mechanical problems, physical deterioration and energy inefficiencies. It shall also seek to develop initiatives that use federal financing opportunities and take advantage of cooperation with the University of Maine System. The task force shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over state and local government matters by January 15, 2007.