Senator Damon Submits Working Waterfront Bill
November 9, 2005
-- Press Release --
Senator Damon Submits Working Waterfront Bill
AUGUSTA— Senator Dennis S. Damon (D-Hancock County) of Trenton submitted legislation today in an effort to preserve Maine’s working waterfront. The legislation would allow marine waterfront land or property used to support commercial fishing to be taxed at its current use versus its highest and best use.
“I have witnessed a constant and steady decrease in the amount of working waterfront during my lifetime,” said Senator Damon. “This decrease in fisherman’s access to the sea is in part due to soaring property values and likewise, tax bills that have forced people off property that has supported fishing for generations. This legislation is one small step towards fixing that problem.”
Senator Damon submitted legislation, entitled An Act to Protect Maine’s Working Waterfront, after the passage of Question 7 on the recent referendum election. The proposed bill defines working waterfront as: “any marine waterfront land or property which supports commercial fishing.”
“I was truly pleased to see that Question 7 received such overwhelming support,” said Senator Damon. “The groundwork for this success was started in 2000 by then Representative David Etnier from Harpswell when he sponsored a similar bill. His efforts then have finally paid off. The commercial fishing industry in Maine is known and celebrated worldwide, and it gave me great pride to see it receive such support by Maine voters.”
The legislation must be approved by the Legislative Council, the governing body of the Legislature comprised of the members of Democratic and Republican leadership from both the House and Senate. The Council will be meeting on Monday, November 28th to address the matter. Once approved, the legislation would be printed and assigned to a committee for a public hearing and work session.
Senator Damon has served as the Senate Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources for the past three years, and was the Senate Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Property Tax Reform, which crafted the landmark LD 1. The “Working Waterfront” issue also came from that committee.
“I’ve spent my entire life living on Maine’s coast,” said Senator Damon. “My ancestors have made their living off these waters. This legislation will ensure help that my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the generations that follow will also be able to claim their living from our coast.”
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