Chapter 414
H.P. 631 - L.D. 913
PART H
Sec. H-1. Establishment of ocean wind energy demonstration sites
1. Fund established. The Maine Marine Wind Energy Demonstration Site Fund is established to provide the basic investment necessary to obtain matching funds and competitive grants and other funding from federal, state and private sources for research, development and product innovation associated with developing one or more ocean wind energy demonstration sites.
2. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
A. "Fund" means the Maine Marine Wind Energy Demonstration Site Fund.
B. "Research and development" means applied engineering and scientific research and related commercial development conducted by the University of Maine, acting on behalf of the University of Maine System and its employees and students in the target areas and in conjunction with federal, state and local partners from the private, nonprofit and government sectors.
C. "Demonstration sites" means geographic locations within the jurisdiction of this State where applied research and development is considered most likely to produce significant benefits to the people and economy of the State.
3. Administration of fund. The University of Maine, acting on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System, shall administer the fund. The university may utilize the assets of the fund to carry out and effectuate the purposes, duties and responsibilities of this Part, including, but not limited to:
A. To conduct siting studies for offshore wind sites, giving first priority to developments in state waters but also consider siting studies for developments in federal waters that could provide renewable and sustainable power for the State or provide significant economic opportunity. The siting studies will include consideration of wind resource, bathymetry, geophysical conditions, transmission and distribution infrastructure, engineering, environmental effects, multi-use potential, identification of exclusion zones and cost of energy from each site;
B. Using siting information collected under subsection 1, the University of Maine, acting on its own behalf or in conjunction with partners in the private, nonprofit or government sectors, may apply for all federal, state and local approvals necessary to develop a demonstration site to be used for research and development to evaluate new technologies and monitor environmental impacts. The University of Maine will construct and operate this site in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws and related licenses, permits or other authorizations. The university may contract, subcontract or collaborate with another public or private entity for any activity authorized by this subsection;
C. To design, prototype and test offshore structures composites components that could be manufactured by companies in this State; and
D. To provide a report to the Governor and the Legislature by March 1, 2010 setting forth:
(1) The operations and accomplishments of the fund during the most recent fiscal year;
(2) The results of monitoring of the effects of any structures placed in the waters on the environment and fish and wildlife, including marine mammals; and
(3) The assets and liabilities of the fund at the end of the most recent fiscal year.
Sec. H-2. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.
UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM, BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE
Maine Marine Wind Energy Demonstration Site Fund N065
Initiative: Establishes a base allocation for the Maine Marine Wind Energy Demonstration Site Fund for funds received for research, development and product innovation associated with developing one or more ocean wind energy demonstration sites.
| OTHER SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS |
2009-10 |
2010-11 |
|
All Other
|
$500 |
$500 |
|
 |
|
| OTHER SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS TOTAL |
$500 |
$500 |
Sec. H-3. Contingent effective date. This Part takes effect only if the General Fund bond issue proposed in Part D is approved by the voters of this State.