Sec. 1. 30-A MRSA §4349-A, sub-§3, as amended by PL 2001, c. 406, §15, is further amended to read:

3. Preference for other state grants and investments. When awarding grants or making a discretionary investment under any of the programs under paragraphs A and B or undertaking its own capital investment programs other than for projects identified in section 4301, subsection 5-B, a state agency shall respect the primary purpose of its grant or investment program and, to the extent feasible, give preference first to a municipality that receives a certificate of consistency under section 4347-A and has adopted land use ordinances and a capital investment plan consistent with its growth management program and 2nd to a municipality that has adopted a comprehensive plan consistent with the goals and guidelines of this subchapter and has adopted land use ordinances and a capital investment plan consistent with its comprehensive plan over a municipality that does not obtain the certificate or finding of consistency within 4 years after receipt of the first installment of a financial assistance grant or rejection of an offer of financial assistance. This subsection applies to:

A. Programs that assist in the acquisition of land for conservation, natural resource protection, open space or recreational facilities under Title 5, chapter 353; and

B. Programs intended to:

(1) Accommodate or encourage additional growth and development;

(2) Improve, expand or construct public facilities; or

(3) Acquire land for conservation or management of specific economic and natural resource concerns.

This subsection does not apply to state grants or other assistance for sewage treatment facilities, public health programs or education.

The office shall work with state agencies to prepare mechanisms for establishing preferences in specific investment and grant programs as described in paragraphs A and B.

SUMMARY

This bill requires a state agency, when awarding grants or