Whereas, this legislation proposes a referendum to ratify changing the name of the unorganized area referred to currently as Township 17, Range 5, WELS, and located in Aroostook County to Cross Lake. The proposal results from the desires of residents of the township to preserve the area's identity and to provide efficiency for postal services and emergency 9-1-1 response; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. Cross Lake. Wherever the designation Township 17, Range 5, WELS, appears or reference is made to that unorganized territory, that designation or reference means Cross Lake.

Sec. 2. Referendum for ratification. This Act must be submitted to the legal voters residing in the unorganized territory of Township 17, Range 5, WELS, in Aroostook County. The date of the submission must be determined by the Aroostook County Board of Commissioners but may not be later than 6 months after adjournment of the Second Special Session of the 121st Legislature. The Aroostook County commissioners are authorized to expend such funds as necessary to implement the referendum.

The county commissioners shall cause the preparation of the required ballots, on which they shall state the subject matter of this Act in the following question:

"Do you favor changing the name of Township 17, Range 5, WELS, to Cross Lake?"

The voters shall indicate by a cross or a check mark placed against the words "Yes" or "No" their opinion of the question.

This Act takes effect immediately upon its acceptance by a majority of the legal voters voting at the election.

The result of the election must be declared by the Aroostook County commissioners and due certificate filed with the Secretary of State.