An Act to Establish a Fund and Council to Support Working Waterfronts
Sponsored By: Morgan Rielly (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New fund to help working waterfronts
The law creates the Working Waterfront Information and Technical Assistance Fund. The Maine Office of Community Affairs runs it and works with Marine Resources, Economic and Community Development, Tourism, coastal towns, and industry groups. The fund does not lapse and can take public and private money. It pays for information campaigns and technical help to protect and grow working waterfronts. Working waterfronts means tidal properties used mainly for commercial fishing and marine uses. The law adds $500 in FY 2025-26 and $500 in FY 2026-27 to start the fund.
Advisory council for working waterfronts
The law creates a Working Waterfront Advisory Council. The Director of the Office of Community Affairs appoints up to 15 members, including tribes, towns, nonprofits, schools, and waterfront industries, with coastal balance. Members serve 3-year terms, with staggered first terms. The council meets at least four times a year and elects a chair and vice-chair each year. It reports to the Legislature by February 1, 2026, and every year after on status, challenges, and access recommendations.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Morgan Rielly
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Cheryl Golek
Democratic • House
Daniel Ankeles
Democratic • House
Denise Tepler
Democratic • Senate
Holly Stover
Democratic • House
Jill C. Duson
Democratic • Senate
Tiffany Strout
Republican • House
Traci Gere
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 265
6/11/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
6/5/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/4/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-453) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-453), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
6/3/2025SenateCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-453).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/3/2025HouseThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT in concurrence
3/25/2025SenateCommittee on Housing and Economic Development suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
3/25/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-453), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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