Whereas, the cities of Lewiston and Auburn have unique social, cultural and economic assets and liabilities; and

Whereas, urban sprawl and local land use policies may have an impact on economic growth and development in the Lewiston-Auburn area; and

Whereas, current economic growth and development activities, including those already undertaken by the Lewiston and Auburn municipal governments and regional organizations, need to be assessed; and

Whereas, short-term and long-term opportunities for economic growth and development within the cities of Lewiston and Auburn need to be identified and acted upon to help the cities maintain and enhance their economic health; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Commission established. Resolved: That the Commission to Study Economic Development Opportunities for Lewiston and Auburn, referred to in this resolve as the "commission," is established; and be it further

Sec. 2. Commission membership. Resolved: That the commission consists of 13 members appointed as follows:

1. Two members of the House of Representatives who also serve on the Joint Standing Committee on Business and Economic Development, appointed by the Speaker of the House upon the recommendation of the committee cochairs;

2. One member of the Senate who also serves on the Joint Standing Committee on Business and Economic Development, appointed by the President of the Senate upon recommendation the of the committee cochairs;

3. One member from the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs or the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation, appointed by the Speaker of the House upon the recommendation of the committee cochairs;

4. Two members of the Legislature from Androscoggin County, appointed by the President of the Senate;

5. One representative of Androscoggin County government, appointed by the Speaker of the House upon the recommendation of the chair of the Androscoggin County Commissioners;