Governor Baldacci Ceremonially Signs Working Waterfront Bills

Governor Baldacci Ceremonially Signs Working Waterfront Bills

Governor John E. Baldacci ceremonially signed two bills Wednesday morning, both centered around the working waterfront. The bills were LD 1972, An Act To Preserve Maine's Working Waterfront; and LD 1930, An Act Regarding Working Waterfront Covenants.

"This is landmark and historic on both fronts," said Governor Baldacci. "Working waterfronts define the soul and character of Maine's coast for residents and visitors alike, and are critical to our heritage and our economy."

Governor Baldacci was joined at the signing by Representative Jane Eberle, (D-South Portland); Representative Leila Percy, (D-Phippsburg); Representative Ed Mazurek, (D-Rockland); Senator Dennis Damon, (D-Trenton) and several supporters of both bills.

"When you look at the state seal and you realize the importance of the fishing community, the waterfront, the shoreline," said Baldacci, "all of the families related to those industries are huge and interrelated into local credit unions, hardware stores and feed markets."

LD 1972 implements the Constitutional amendment approved by voters in November of 2005 to provide for current use valuation for property tax purposes of waterfront land used for commercial fishing activities or to support such activities.

LD 1930 implements authority given to the Land for Maine's Future Board to be a party to working waterfront covenants. It provides definitions and provisions for creation, conveyance, acceptance and duration of working waterfront covenants. It also adds provisions for the scope and validity of such covenants, as well as applicability provisions.

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