1. Findings. The Legislature finds that:
A. The effectiveness of local governments in implementing their responsibilities under shoreland zoning can be enhanced by coordination and cooperation among municipalities; [PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. A, §45 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §10 (NEW).]
B. River corridor commissions have proven their effectiveness as one mechanism to bring about such coordination and cooperation; [PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. A, §45 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §10 (NEW).]
C. Additional river corridor commissions are not likely to be formed without state encouragement and incentives; and [PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. A, §45 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §10 (NEW).]
D. Such cooperation serves state interests as stated in Title 12, section 402 and Title 38, chapter 3, subchapter 1, article 2‑B. [PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. A, §45 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §10 (NEW).]
2. Purpose. It is the policy of the State to encourage the formation of river corridor commissions. The purpose of this law is to:
A. Clarify the procedures for forming river corridor commissions; [PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. A, §45 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §10 (NEW).]
B. Delegate authority to the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to approve acceptable proposals to form the river corridor commissions; [PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. A, §45 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §10 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §6 (REV).]
C. Grant additional powers to those river corridor commissions beyond those provided for in chapter 115; and [PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. A, §45 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §10 (NEW).]
D. Provide a portion of the funding for the operation of the river corridor commissions.