Sec. 1. 38 MRSA §352, sub-§2-A, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 374, §1, is amended to read:

2-A. Fee adjustment. The commissioner may adjust the fees established in this subchapter chapter on an annual basis according to the United States Consumer Price Index established by the federal Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. These adjustments may be compounded and assessed at an interval greater than one year if the commissioner determines that such periodic increases lower administrative costs for the department and continue effective public service.

Sec. 2. 38 MRSA §352, sub-§3, as amended by PL 1997, c. 374, §2, is further amended to read:

3. Maximum fee. The commissioner shall set the actual fees and shall publish a schedule of all fees by August 1st of each year. If the commissioner determines that a particular application, by virtue of its size, uniqueness, complexity or other relevant factors, is likely to require significantly more costs than those listed on Table I, the commissioner may designate that application as subject to special fees. A special fee may not exceed $40,000 $75,000. Such a designation must be made at, or prior to, the time the application is accepted as complete and may not be based solely on the likelihood of extensive public controversy. All department staff who have worked on the review of the application shall submit quarterly reports to the commissioner detailing the time spent on the application and all expenses attributable to the application. The processing fee for that application must be the actual cost to the department. The applicant must be billed quarterly and all fees paid prior to receipt of the permit.

Sec. 3. 38 MRSA §411, first ¶, as repealed and replaced by PL 1995, c. 186, §1, is amended to read:

The commissioner may pay an amount not to exceed 80% of the expense of a municipal or quasi-municipal pollution abatement construction program or a pollution abatement construction program in an unorganized township or plantation authorized by the county commissioners. The commissioner may make payments to the Maine Municipal Bond Bank to supply the State's share of the revolving loan fund established by Title 30-A, section 6006-A. The commissioner may pay up to 90% of the expense of a municipal or quasi-municipal pollution abatement construction program or a pollution abatement construction program in an unorganized township or plantation authorized by the county commissioners in which the construction cost of the project does not exceed