An Act To Restore Diadromous Fish in the St. Croix River

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  this legislation needs to take effect before the expiration of the 90-day period to allow for the spring migration of alewives in the St. Croix River; 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 §6134,  as enacted by PL 1995, c. 48, §1, is amended to read:

§ 6134. Alewives passage; fishways on the St. Croix River

By May 1, 1995 2008, the commissioner and the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife shall ensure that fishways on the Woodland Dam and the Grand Falls Dam, both located on the St. Croix River, are configured or operated in a manner that prevents allows the passage of alewives.

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

summary

This bill requires the Commissioner of Marine Resources and the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to ensure by May 1, 2008 that fishways on the Woodland Dam and the Grand Falls Dam, both located on the St. Croix River, are configured or operated in a manner that allows the passage of alewives.