1.Authority.
The University of Maine System may acquire real estate, construct, operate, manage and equip radio, transmission and microwave
television facilities and interconnect with any other radio or television network or station within or without this State
for the purpose of providing a statewide public broadcasting network for the transmission of public broadcasting to pupils
in the schools, colleges, university and adult audiences throughout the State.
[
1985, c. 779, §44 (AMD)
.]
2.Contracts.
The University of Maine System may enter into contracts for the construction of those facilities, contracts for personal
services necessary for the management and operation of those facilities and any other contracts deemed necessary to carry
out the purposes of this chapter.
[
1985, c. 779, §44 (AMD)
.]
3.Transfer of assets and liabilities.
The University of Maine System may transfer any assets and liabilities acquired pursuant to this section in order to unify
operation in a nonprofit, nonstock private corporation, referred to in this section as "the corporation." The University of Maine System retains a reversionary interest in the university's assets as provided for in the articles
of incorporation of that corporation. An annual appropriation for operating, constructing, equipping, maintaining, improving
and replacing facilities of the corporation must be made in amounts sufficient to ensure delivery of broadcast sources throughout
the State.
[
2009, c. 62, §1 (AMD)
.]
4.Condition of funding.
As a condition of receiving an appropriation or allocation of state funds to broadcast throughout the State, the corporation
shall continue to operate, equip and maintain facilities used to provide signals identified under paragraphs A and B that
were in operation on February 1, 2009 or an equivalent network providing equivalent or expanded broadcast coverage throughout
the State:
A. A television broadcast signal originating from stations whose community of license is Presque Isle, Calais, Orono, Augusta
and Biddeford; and [2009, c. 62, §2 (NEW).]
B. A radio broadcast signal originating from stations whose community of license is Fort Kent, Presque Isle, Calais, Bangor,
Waterville, Camden and Portland. [2009, c. 62, §2 (NEW).]
[
2009, c. 62, §2 (NEW)
.]
5.Failure to meet funding conditions.
If the corporation fails to meet the requirements of subsection 4 during any state fiscal year in which an appropriation
or allocation has been made, the corporation shall return the full amount of that appropriation or allocation to the Treasurer
of State within 15 business days of the beginning of the next state fiscal year.
[
2009, c. 62, §3 (NEW)
.]
6.Exceptions.
The corporation does not fail to meet the requirements of subsection 4 if:
A. One or more of the broadcast signals described in subsection 4, paragraphs A and B is off the air for a period of time due
to a reason outside of the control of the corporation; or [2009, c. 62, §4 (NEW).]
B. All of the television broadcast signals or all of the radio broadcast signals are off the air for an equal period of time
for any reason. [2009, c. 62, §4 (NEW).]
[
2009, c. 62, §4 (NEW)
.]
SECTION HISTORY
1981, c. 693, §§5,8 (NEW).
1985, c. 779, §44 (AMD).
1991, c. 848, §2 (AMD).
2009, c. 62, §§1-4 (AMD).
Data for this page extracted on 10/16/2012 08:29:43.