Whereas, this legislation establishes a process to review requests for regulating the use of watercraft on great ponds; and

Whereas, it is essential to begin this process prior to the summer season; 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 §7800-B is enacted to read:

§7800-B.__Recommendations for regulating use, operation and type

of watercraft for great ponds within organized areas

of State

1.__Recommendations.__A municipality, with the approval of its legislative body, or the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission, referred to in this section as "the commission," may submit recommendations to the commissioner for regulating the use, operation, type and permissible motor size of watercraft on great ponds within the jurisdiction of that municipality or the commission.__For great ponds that border more than one municipality, recommendations may be submitted only after approval by the legislative bodies of all municipalities in which those waters are located.__For great ponds that border lands within the jurisdiction of the commission, the approval of the commission is also required.__In preparing recommendations for such waters, the municipality or the commission shall take into consideration:

A.__The current and traditional uses of the water body;

B.__The depth of the water and the amount of water-borne traffic;

C.__Wildlife habitat and other environmental values;

D.__Noise levels and the safety of persons and property; and

E.__Concerns unique to the affected communities, including, but not limited to, access, land use and economic impact.