AUGUSTA - Gov. Janet Mills recently signed into law legislation sponsored by Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, that would expand the language of working waterfront covenants to include nonprofit corporations and charitable trusts that are authorized to hold conservation easements, further protecting Maine's last remaining miles of working waterfront.
"Maine's fishing industry accounts for nearly $1 billion in annual revenue, but it's under pressure from many sides," said Rielly. "Our working waterfront is in dire straits and is down to the last 20 miles, which are at risk of being lost at an accelerated rate."
LD 574 allows certain nonprofit organizations to hold working waterfront covenants if their purposes or powers include retaining or protecting coastal community values, culture or heritage, coastal habitat or property that provides coastal water access. Under this new law, local land trusts can work together quickly to mobilize adequate funding that would help protect Maine's working waterfronts.
"Saving Maine's working waterfront properties from conversion to non-commercial uses is one way to protect our fishing and maritime heritage," said Rielly. "This new law will give Maine's coastal land trusts the opportunity to conserve these properties, and land trusts have the resources and skills to help us accomplish this important goal."
"Maine's iconic working waterfronts are the backbone of our coastal economy, and Maine's land trusts are proven experts in property conservation," said Nick Battista, chief policy officer at the Island Institute. "This important legislation holds great promise for keeping Maine's coastline working and thriving for generations to come."
"As a coastal land trust, we see first-hand the development pressure threatening our working waterfront," said Julia McLeod, executive director at Harpswell Heritage Land Trust. "This legislation gives us a new avenue to support our town and address real community needs."
The measure will go into effect 90 days after the adjournment of the First Special Session of the 131st Legislature.
Rielly is serving his second term in the Maine House of Representatives and is a member of the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs. He represents House District 127, which includes a portion of Westbrook.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Rielly], 305-965-2744