Whereas, this legislation needs to take effect before the expiration of the 90-day period to allow for the spring migration of alewives; 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. 12 MRSA §6134, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 48, §1, is amended to read:

§6134. Alewives passage; fishways on the St. Croix River

By May 1, 1995 2001, the commissioner and the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife shall ensure that fishways on the Woodland Dam and the Grand Falls Dam, both located on the St. Croix River, are configured or operated in a manner that prevents allows the passage of alewives.

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

SUMMARY

This bill requires the Commissioner of Marine Resources and the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to ensure by May 1, 2001 that fishways on the Woodland Dam and the Grand Falls Dam, both located on the St. Croix River, are configured or operated in a manner that allows the passage of alewives.