Sec. 1. 27 MRSA §558 is enacted to read:

§558.__Maine Communities in the New Century Program

1.__Definitions.__As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A.__"Council" means the Maine State Cultural Affairs Council.

B.__"Participating agencies" means the:

(1)__Maine Arts Commission;

(2)__Maine Historic Preservation Commission;

(3)__Maine State Library;

(4)__Maine State Museum;

(5)__Maine Historical Society;

(6)__Maine State Archives; and

(7)__Maine Humanities Council.

C.__"Program" means the Maine Communities in the New Century Program established in subsection 2.

2.__Program established; objectives.__The Maine Communities in the New Century Program is established under the auspices of the council to further the following objectives:

A.__Preservation of the State's historic resources, properties, artifacts and documents;

B.__Expanded access to improved educational resources; and

C.__Community and economic development through strengthened local cultural resources.

3.__Program components.__To assist communities in preserving, improving and providing access to cultural resources, the program shall provide matching grants, technical assistance and support services to local, nonprofit, community-based organizations.

4.__Council duties.__The council shall: