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An Act To Strengthen Rural Community Investment
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. Strengthen rural development. Maine Rural Partners, a nonprofit organization that is Maine’s federally recognized state rural development council, shall:
1. Complete pilot projects underway in the Town of Strong and Washington County to build innovative strategic plans and to create community investment mechanisms;
2. Prepare an analysis of the potential for attracting and leveraging investment in rural Maine communities; and
3. Make recommendations to the Legislature and Governor regarding methods of encouraging such investment.
Sec. 2. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.
 
MAINE RURAL PARTNERS (NEW)
 
Maine Rural Partners (NEW)
 
Initiative: Provides ongoing funds to match federal and private resources to be used to support Maine Rural Partners in carrying out its mission of strengthening rural community capacity and exploring innovative community investment mechanisms.

GENERAL FUND	2007-08	2008-09	
All Other	$150,000	$150,000	
 	  	  	
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$150,000	$150,000	

SUMMARY
This bill requires Maine Rural Partners to:
1. Complete pilot projects underway in the Town of Strong and Washington County to build innovative strategic plans and to create community investment mechanisms;
2. Prepare an analysis of the potential for attracting and leveraging investment in rural Maine communities; and
3. Make recommendations to the Legislature and Governor regarding methods of encouraging such investment.
This bill also makes ongoing General Fund appropriations of $150,000 per year beginning in fiscal year 2007-08 to be used to support Maine Rural Partners in carrying out its mission of strengthening rural community capacity and exploring innovative community investment mechanisms.