Whereas, the 8 tourism regions that have been designated by the tourism industry to promote tourism in the State may not adequately reflect the unique economic and cultural differences of certain areas of the State; and

Whereas, these unique areas of the State, such as the St. John Valley, the Downeast region and the so-called "River Valley," may benefit economically from an industry designation as a tourism region; and

Whereas, the establishment of a dedicated source of revenue to fund the Office of Tourism within the Department of Economic and Community Development would provide substantial additional funds to the office to distribute annually to organizations within the tourism regions to assist with the tourism promotion efforts of their respective regions; 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

Sec. 1. Department of Economic and Community Development directed to study the designation of tourism regions. Resolved: That the Department of Economic and Community Development shall study expanding the number of industry-designated tourism regions in the State to reflect the unique cultural attributes and economic needs of various areas of the State. In studying the current tourism region designations, the department shall consult with representatives of the tourism industry. The department shall report its findings and recommendations to the Joint Standing Committee on Business and Economic Development before December 31, 2001.

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

FISCAL NOTE

The additional costs associated with conducting a certain study can be absorbed by the Department of Economic and Community Development utilizing existing budgeted resources.