Maine Revised Statutes Title 38. Waters and Navigation § 480-N. Lake Restoration and Protection Fund

1. Fund purposes and administration. There is established a nonlapsing Lake Restoration and Protection Fund, from which the commissioner may pay up to 50% of the eligible costs incurred in a lake restoration or protection project, except that projects addressing technical assistance, public education or research issues may be paid up to 100%. Eligible costs include all costs except those related to land acquisition, legal fees and debt service. All money credited to that fund must be used by the commissioner for projects to improve or maintain the quality of lake waters in the State and for no other purpose. The commissioner may authorize the State Controller to draw a warrant for such funds as may be necessary to pay the lawful expenses of the lake restoration or protection project, up to the limits of the money duly authorized. Any balance remaining in the fund must continue without lapse from year to year and remain available for the purpose for which the fund is established and for no other purpose.

2. Money. Money in the Lake Restoration and Protection Fund may not be used for projects in or on lakes for which public access is not provided.

3. Intensive staffing program. The commissioner shall establish an intensive staffing program to provide adequate staffing at both the state and regional levels. The commissioner shall provide technical information and guidance and the regional agencies shall assist with the adoption of revised comprehensive plans, standards and local ordinances by local governments.

4. Public education program. The commissioner shall develop a coordinated public education program for school children involving extensive use of the media.

5. Research. The commissioner shall encourage internal research focused on the following statewide topics: