Resolve, To Support the Development of a Model Charter for the St. John Valley Regional Planning Commission

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

Whereas,  in order to provide more time for the development of a charter, this legislation needs to take effect as soon as possible; 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. Commissioner of Economic and Community Development to support the process to develop the St. John Valley Regional Planning Commission charter. Resolved: That the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development shall invite representatives from the unorganized townships and following municipalities within Aroostook County to at least 2 meetings to facilitate the development of a model charter that would establish the St. John Valley Regional Planning Commission: Caswell Plantation, Cyr Plantation, Fort Kent, Frenchville, Grand Isle, Hamlin, Limestone, Madawaska, New Canada, New Sweden, St. Agatha, Stockholm, Van Buren, Wallagrass Plantation and Woodland. The commissioner shall provide assistance at the meetings to facilitate the development of a model charter for the St. John Valley Regional Planning Commission and provide assistance with identifying any regulatory obstacles or impediments to establishing such a charter; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That, no later than December 5, 2012, the Department of Economic and Community Development shall provide a report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over labor, commerce, research and economic development matters on any meetings held under section 1. The department shall include with the report recommendations regarding the proposal to establish in law a charter for the St. John Valley Regional Planning Commission. The joint standing committee is authorized to submit a bill related to section 1 to the First Regular Session of the 126th Legislature; and be it further

Sec. 3. Appropriations and allocations. Resolved: That the following appropriations and allocations are made.

ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, DEPARTMENT OF

Administration - Economic and Community Development 0069

Initiative: Provides one-time funds for the cost associated with staff from the Department of Economic and Community Development traveling to Aroostook County to provide assistance at a minimum of 2 meetings to facilitate the development of a model charter for the St. John Valley Regional Planning Commission.

GENERAL FUND	2011-12	2012-13
All Other	$1,700	$0
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$1,700	$0

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