Sec. B-8. Compensation. Legislative members of the commission are entitled to receive the legislative per diem, as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 3, section 2, and reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses related to their attendance at authorized meetings of the commission. Public members not otherwise compensated by their employers or other entities that they represent are entitled to receive reimbursement of necessary expenses for their attendance at authorized meetings of the commission and, upon demostration of need, are entitled to receive legislative per diem.

Sec. B-9. Report. The commission shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, to the Second Regular Session of the 121st Legislature no later than December 3, 2003. The commission is authorized to introduce legislation related to its report to the Second Regular Session of the 121st Legislature at the time of its report.

Sec. B-10. Extension. If the commission requires a limited extension of time to complete its study and make its report, it may apply to the Legislative Council, which may grant an extension. Upon submission of its required report, the commission terminates.

Sec. B-11. Funding. The commission shall seek outside sources of funding to fund all costs of the commission. Prompt notice of solicitation and acceptance of funds must be sent to the Legislative Council. All funds accepted must be forwarded to the Executive Director of the Legislative Council along with an accounting record that includes the amount of funds, date the funds were received, from whom the funds were received and the purpose and any limitation on the use of those funds. The Executive Director of the Legislative Council administers any funds received by the commission.

SUMMARY

This bill requires that funding for shared-use paths be included as part of any project involving the construction, reconstruction or replacement of a state or state aid highway or bridge. The Commissioner of Transportation is required to ensure that an amount equal to at least 1% of the combined state and federal funding for such projects is provided for the construction, repair or maintenance of shared-use paths. The