E.__This subsection does not create an ancillary benefit within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine, Article IX, Section 18-A and may not be construed to create a claim against the assets of the Maine State Retirement System.

F.__The solemn contractual commitment provided in this subsection is void if a court of competent jurisdiction rules that this subsection creates an ancillary benefit within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine, Article IX, Section 18-A.

PART EEEE

Sec. EEEE-1. Use of bond proceeds. In order to ensure that the transportation bond proceeds of Private and Special Law 2003, chapter 33 are expended promptly and in conformity with the designation and intent of the original legislation to address the urgent needs of the air-medical response system throughout the State, the Department of Public Safety shall undertake the following actions no later than August 30, 2004.

1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department of Public Safety shall award grants totaling $3,000,000 in order to expand the existing air-medical response system throughout the State in the following categories:

A. Hospital helipads and aviation support infrastructure, including building additional fueling facilities and upgrading navigational, weather reporting and communications system's, with the total amount of such grant awards not to exceed $2,600,000; and

B. The capital costs of acquisition of a mobile advanced human patient simulator mannequin system with the total amount of such an award not to exceed $400,000. This mannequin system must be made available to ensure appropriate training of first responders and ambulance and hospital personnel throughout the State on a recurrent basis.

2. In establishing criteria for the awarding of grants, the Department of Public Safety shall consider the availability of matching funds, in the form of either cash or in-kind contributions, for use in the grant project.

PART FFFF