130th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 593		LR 869(02)
	An Act To Restore Regular Eelgrass Mapping in the State
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
	Committee: Environment and Natural Resources
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
			FY 2021-22	FY 2022-23	Projections  FY 2023-24	Projections  FY 2024-25
Net Cost (Savings)
	General Fund		$284,514	$331,625	$328,305	$274,683
Appropriations/Allocations
	General Fund		$284,514	$331,625	$328,305	$274,683
	Other Special Revenue Funds		$500	$500	$500	$500
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in consultation with the Department of Marine Resources (DMR), to establish and implement an eelgrass and salt marsh vegetation mapping program and publicly disseminate data and mapping information.
	The bill includes General Fund appropriations to the Bureau of Water Quality within the DEP of $197,843 in fiscal year 2021-22 and $201,800 in fiscal year 2022-23 for one Biologist II position and one Environmental Technician position and associated All Other costs and $86,671 in fiscal year 2021-22 and $129,825 in fiscal year 2022-23 to collect aerial imagery, process maps, disseminate findings and maintain or replace equipment.  The bill also includes ongoing Other Special Revenue Funds allocations of $500 starting in fiscal year 2021-22 to establish the Eelgrass and Salt Marsh Vegetation Mapping Fund to allow acceptance of grants, bequests, gifts or contributions to support the program from any source, public or private.
	Any additional costs to the DMR to consult with the DEP are anticipated to be minor and can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.