Whereas, rural roads in Maine are in a general state of disrepair, causing access to rural areas to be difficult; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 23 MRSA §4206, sub-§1, ķA, as enacted by PL 1971, c. 593, §16, is amended to read:

A. To develop for the State, comprehensive, balanced transportation policy and planning as will meet the present and future needs for adequate, safe and efficient transportation facilities and services.__In developing those policies and plans, the commissioner shall give priority to policies and plans that accelerate repairs to improve access to rural areas of the State;

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill requires the Commissioner of Transportation to give priority to policies and plans that accelerate repairs to improve access to rural areas of the State.