An Act To Require the Department of Transportation To Recover for the Highway Fund Any Money Recovered from Those Responsible for Doing Damage to State Roads and Bridges

Sec. 1. 23 MRSA §709,  is enacted to read:

§ 709.  Recovery for damage to transportation infrastructure

A person who damages transportation infrastructure is liable to the State for the amount necessary to repair such damage, and the Department of Transportation shall assess and recover compensation from such persons. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, funds recovered pursuant to this section must be deposited in an account in the department and used for the benefit of transportation infrastructure.

As used in this section, “transportation infrastructure” means infrastructure related to all modes of transportation, including highways, bridges, railroads, ferries, mass transit, airports and bicycle and pedestrian facilities, as well as all buildings, utilities, facilities and other appurtenances related to such modes.

summary

This bill requires the Department of Transportation to pursue compensation for damage done to transportation infrastructure, which includes highways and bridges and related buildings. All funds for damages recovered by the department must be used for the benefit of transportation infrastructure.