Resolve, Directing the Department of Transportation and the Maine Turnpike Authority To Find Efficiencies in the Maine Transportation System

Sec. 1. Transportation efficiency study. Resolved: That the Department of Transportation shall conduct a transportation study, with assistance from the Maine Turnpike Authority, that includes the following:

1. A review of operations of the Maine Turnpike Authority and a comparison of its costs with the costs of the Department of Transportation;

2. An analysis and report on the positive and negative aspects of consolidating the Maine Turnpike Authority with the Department of Transportation;

3. An analysis and report on the positive and negative aspects of privatization of the Maine Turnpike Authority; and

4. An analysis and report on the availability of new funding sources, such as GARVEE bonds through the Maine Municipal Bond Bank and federal grants; and be it further

Sec. 2. Recommendations and reporting. Resolved: That the Department of Transportation shall submit its analysis and report along with its recommendations and suggested legislation to the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation by December 31, 2009. The Joint Standing Committee on Transportation is authorized to submit legislation during the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature.

summary

This resolve directs the Department of Transportation to conduct a transportation study, with assistance from the Maine Turnpike Authority, that will review operations of the Maine Turnpike Authority and compare its costs with the costs of the Department of Transportation, report on the positive and negative aspects of consolidating the Maine Turnpike Authority with the Department of Transportation, report on the positive and negative aspects of privatization of the Maine Turnpike Authority and report on the availability of new funding sources, such as GARVEE bonds through the Maine Municipal Bond Bank and federal grants. This resolve directs the department to submit a report with suggested legislation to the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation. The joint standing committee is authorized to submit legislation to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature.