Sec. 5. Duties. Resolved: That the commission shall:

1. Identify potential cost savings to turnpike users and taxpayers associated with combining the resources of the Maine Turnpike Authority and the Department of Transportation in the following areas:

A. Maintenance methods and equipment;

B. Project development, engineering and construction staffing; and

C. Project funding and alternate methods of funding new projects;

2. Identify and resolve conflicts or problems associated with combining the resources of the Maine Turnpike Authority and the Department of Transportation such as the following:

A. Revenue bond security counsel requirements;

B. Current methods for procurement of design and construction consultants; and

C. Federal reimbursement for road maintenance;

3. Study the use of bond raising techniques and toll collection mechanisms presently utilized by the Maine Turnpike Authority to develop and implement other highway transportation projects; and

4. Study the use of excess tolls collected on the existing system to assist in funding the Highway Fund or special projects, including, but not limited to, a limited-access highway from Brunswick to Acadia National Park; and be it further

Sec. 6. Report. Resolved: That the commission shall submit its report, together with any recommended implementing legislation, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature

having jurisdiction over transportation matters by November 6, 2002. If the commission requires an extension of time to make its report, it may apply to the Legislative Council, which may grant the extension. Following receipt of the report, the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over transportation matters may introduce legislation to the First Regular Session of the 121st Legislature; and be it further

Sec. 7. Staff assistance. Resolved: That, upon approval of the Legislative Council, the Office of Policy and Legal Analysis shall provide staffing assistance to the commission. The Office of Fiscal and Program Review, the Department of Transportation, the Maine Turnpike Authority and the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of Revenue Services shall also provide assistance as requested by the commission; and be it further

Sec. 8. Compensation. Resolved: That the members of the commission who are Legislators are entitled to receive the legislative per diem, as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 3, section 2, and reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses related to their attendance at authorized meetings of the commission. Other members of the commission who are not compensated by their employers or other entities that they represent are entitled to receive reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses related to their attendance at authorized meetings; and be it further

Sec. 9. Budget. Resolved: That the chairs of the commission, with assistance from the commission staff, shall administer the commission's budget. The commission may not incur expenses exceeding its approved budget. Upon request from the commission, the Executive Director of the Legislative Council shall promptly provide the commission and its staff with a status report on the commission's budget, expenditures incurred and remaining available funds.

SUMMARY

This resolve creates the Commission to Study Combining the Resources of the Maine Turnpike Authority and the Department of Transportation. Duties of the commission include the identification of potential cost savings to turnpike users and taxpayers associated with combining the resources of the Maine Turnpike Authority and the Department of Transportation, the identification and resolution of conflicts or problems associated with combining the resources of the Maine Turnpike Authority and the Department of Transportation, the use of bond raising techniques and toll collection mechanisms used by the Maine

Turnpike Authority to develop and implement other highway transportation projects and the use of excess tolls collected on the existing turnpike system to assist in funding the Highway Fund or other special projects. The commission shall submit its report, together with any recommended implementing legislation, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over transportation matters by November 6, 2002. Following receipt of the report, the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over transportation matters may introduce legislation to the First Regular Session of the 121st Legislature.