D. Manufacturers operating along the corridor; and be it further

Sec. 3. Chairs. Resolved: That the first named Senate member is the Senate chair of the commission and the first named House of Representatives member is the House chair of the commission; and be it further

Sec. 4. Appointments; meetings. Resolved: That all appointments must be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this resolve. The Executive Director of the Legislative Council must be notified by all appointing authorities once the selections have been made. The chairs of the commission shall call and convene the first meeting of the commission no later than 15 days after all appointments are made; and be it further

Sec. 5. Duties. Resolved: That the commission shall examine:

1. The feasibility of economic and community development initiatives along an east-west rail corridor in the State;

2. The viability of an accessible, readily usable east-west rail corridor;

3. The tourism and manufacturing potential created or enhanced by establishing an east-west rail corridor;

4. The potential savings in infrastructure maintenance created through use of an east-west rail corridor; and

5. The possible benefits of combining transportation modalities and establishing comprehensive freight and passenger services through development of an east-west rail corridor; and be it further

Sec. 6. Staff assistance. Resolved: That, upon approval of the Legislative Council, the Office of Policy and Legal Analysis shall provide necessary staffing services to the commission; and be it further

Sec. 7. Compensation. Resolved: That the members of the commission who are Legislators are entitled to the legislative per diem, as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 3, section 2, and reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred for their attendance at authorized meetings of the commission. Other

members of the commission who are not otherwise compensated by their employers or other entities that they represent are entitled to receive reimbursement of necessary expenses incurred for their attendance at authorized meetings; and be it further

Sec. 8. Report. Resolved: That the commission shall submit its report, together with any necessary implementing legislation, to the Second Regular Session of the 120th Legislature no later than November 1st. If the commission requires a limited extension of time to conclude its work, it may apply to the Legislative Council, which may grant the extension; and be it further

Sec. 9. Budget. Resolved: That the chairs of the commission, with assistance from the commission staff, shall administer the commission's budget. Within 10 days after its first meeting, the commission shall present a work plan and proposed budget to the Legislative Council for approval. The commission may not incur expenses that would result in the commission exceeding its approved budget. Upon request from the commission, the Executive Director of the Legislative Council shall promptly provide the commission chairs and staff with a status report on the commission's budget, expenditures incurred and paid and available funds.

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

SUMMARY

This resolve establishes a Blue Ribbon Commission on the East- West Rail Corridor to examine the benefits, feasibility and viability of an east-west rail corridor in the State.