‘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 groundfish industry is on the verge of collapse in Maine and unless immediate action is taken by the Legislature the industry may not be able to sustain itself until groundfish stocks have rebounded enough to once again support one of Maine's most important traditional fisheries; 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,
Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §6137 is enacted to read:
§ 6137. Groundfish industry incentive program
A groundfish industry incentive program, referred to in this section as "the program," is established within the department. The commissioner shall implement and administer the program. The program is limited to a groundfish vessel that lands and sells at least 90% of its catch in this State. The commissioner may waive the 90% requirement if the commissioner determines that weather conditions, equipment failure, illness or federal requirements prevented a vessel from meeting this requirement. Upon a vessel's application to the commissioner and documentation of eligibility, the commissioner shall provide to the qualifying vessel the rebates described in this section:
This section is repealed June 1, 2010.
Sec. 2. 36 MRSA §1760, sub-§8, ¶D is enacted to read:
This paragraph is repealed June 1, 2010.
Sec. 3. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.
MARINE RESOURCES, DEPARTMENT OF
Division of Administrative Services 0258
Initiative: Appropriates funds to be paid as rebates to Maine-based commercial groundfish vessels for ice costs, transportation fees and groundfish handling service fees.
| GENERAL FUND | 2007-08 | 2008-09 |
|
All Other
|
$2,800,000 | $3,250,000 |
 |
|
|
| GENERAL FUND TOTAL | $2,800,000 | $3,250,000 |
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.’