Bipartisan Legislative Support for Working Waterfront Amendment Gives People Choice at the Polls
March 8, 2005
AUGUSTA—The Maine House and Senate today both gave overwhelming support for a resolution that gives Maine people the authority to decide via a statewide election whether or not to allow working waterfront land to be valued differently than commercial real estate.
Senator Dennis Damon, D-Hancock County, who represents many coastal residents and fishing communities, said that he was grateful for the vote passing giving Maine people the opportunity to amend the constitution.
“I am relieved and grateful. Relieved that we brought the issue to a vote, and we finally have such overwhelming support from the Legislature. I think it sends a strong statement to the people of Maine, especially to the commercial fishing industry.”
“This is part of an ongoing effort to bring tax relief to Maine people. We worked to ensured that the unique needs of coastal communities would be discussed as part of the property tax relief package. The working waterfront is part of the heritage of Maine,” said Representative Leila Percy, D- Phippsburg.
The resolution, which proposes to amend the Constitution of Maine through a public vote, would assess the value of waterfront land that is used for commercial fishing activities based on the current use of that property. If approved, commercial fishing property would be valued in a similar manner like farmland, open space areas, and forestlands.
LD 299, "RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine To Permit the Legislature To Allow the Current Use Valuation of Waterfront Land Used for or That Supports Commercial Fishing Activities,” can be found on the Web at:
http://janus.state.me.us/legis/LawMakerWeb/summary.asp?ID=280014906
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