126th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 1061 LR 1631(01)
An Act To Regulate Meteorological Data-gathering Towers in Maine
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
Sponsor: Rep. Dunphy of Embden
Committee: Energy, Utilities and Technology
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
State Mandate - Unfunded
FY 2013-14 FY 2014-15 Projections  FY 2015-16 Projections  FY 2016-17
Net Cost (Savings)
General Fund $97,966 $97,116 $97,889 $98,685
Appropriations/Allocations
General Fund $97,966 $97,116 $97,889 $98,685
Other Special Revenue Funds $2,078 $2,078 $2,078 $2,078
State Mandates
Required Activity Unit Affected Local Cost
Municipalities will be required to provide certain notifications relating to permits for the construction or installation of meteorological towers if the Maine Land Use Commission or the Department of Environmental Protection is not required to provide such notification.   Municipality Moderate statewide
The required local activities in this bill may represent a State mandate pursuant to the Constitution of Maine.  Unless General Fund appropriations are provided to fund at least 90% of the additional costs or a Mandate Preamble is amended to the bill and two-thirds of the members of each House vote to exempt this mandate from the funding requirement, municipalities may not be required to implement these changes.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
The Department of Environmental Protection will require a General Fund appropriation of $95,466 in FY 2013-14 and $97,116 in FY 2014-15 and an Other Special Revenue Funds allocation of $2,078 in both FY 2013-14 and FY 2014-15 for one part-time Office Associate I position and associated administrative costs related to the meteorological tower construction or installation notification requirements. 
The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry will require a one-time General Fund appropriation of $2,500 in fiscal year 2013-14 for rulemaking costs, including printing, advertising and room rental.