An Act To Prevent the Spread of Milfoil in the Songo 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,  the Songo River in the Town of Naples has a known infestation of an aquatic invasive plant species that is spreading and threatening the aquatic environment and the economy of the Town of Naples and the State as a whole; and

Whereas,  this Act must take effect before the spring thaw so timely actions can be taken to prevent the spread of the aquatic invasive plant species in the Songo 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. 38 MRSA §1873  is enacted to read:

§ 1873.  Songo River locks

The commissioner and the Commissioner of Conservation shall close the lock on the Songo River in the Town of Naples to prevent the upstream spread of aquatic invasive plant species.

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

SUMMARY

This bill directs the Commissioner of Environmental Protection and the Commissioner of Conservation to close the lock on the Songo River in the Town of Naples to prevent the upstream spread of aquatic invasive plant species.