Resolve, To Further Study the Implementation and Funding of an Integrated Beach Management Program

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

Whereas,  this legislation must take effect before the expiration of the 90-day period in order to provide the working group created through this legislation sufficient time prior to the reporting deadline of January 31, 2017 to compile data on and develop recommendations for the implementation and funding of an integrated beach management program; 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, be it

Sec. 1. Beach working group. Resolved: That the Commissioner of Environmental Protection and the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall convene a working group to review the report titled "Protecting Maine's Beaches for the Future: A Proposal to Create an Integrated Beach Management Program," dated February 2006, prepared by the Beach Stakeholder's Group and submitted to the Joint Standing Committee on Natural Resources during the Second Regular Session of the 122nd Legislature, update the data and findings contained in that report and develop recommendations regarding the implementation and funding of an integrated beach management program and comprehensive beach nourishment policy that establishes priority areas and evaluates public and private funding sources, implementation time frames and public access easements. Consideration of priority status for beach areas under any beach management program recommended by the working group must, at a minimum, involve a review of both the environmental and economic significance of each beach area. If applicable, the working group shall identify specific funding sources to support the implementation of its recommendations; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report to Legislature. Resolved: That, by January 31, 2017, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection shall submit to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over environment and natural resources matters a report detailing the findings and recommendations of the working group established pursuant to section 1, including any suggested legislation, relating to the implementation and funding of an integrated beach management program. After reviewing the report, the committee may report out a bill relating to the report to the First Regular Session of the 128th Legislature.

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