123rd MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 2223		LR 3510(04)
	An Act To Expand the Natural Resources Protection Act Compensation Program
	Fiscal Note for Senate Amendment "     "
	Sponsor: Sen. Martin of Aroostook
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Current biennium cost increase - Other  Funds Current biennium revenue increase - Other  Funds
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This legislation expands the Natural Resource Protection Act to provide another option for wetland compensation utilizing the in-lieu fee program for significant wildlife habitats.  The Department of Environmental Protection will contract with the Nature Conservancy to handle the fees and administer the program.  The Nature Conservancy, with oversight from the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the State Planning Office and other federal agencies will award grants to project sponsors to encourage the protection of wetland and habitat areas across the state. The Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will develop an alternate fee structure for designated significant wildlife areas.