Sec. 9. 30-A MRSA §5250-L, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 688, Pt. D, §2, is amended to read:

§5250-L. Selection criteria

1. Review and selection of zones. The commissioner shall review applications and select zones for designation based upon the following criteria:

A. Severity of economic distress within the region affected by the Pine Tree Development Zone;

B. Viability of a development plan described under section 5250-J, subsection 4, paragraph E;

C. Commitment of local and regional financial resources;

D. Partnerships with public and private organizations; and

E. Impact on surrounding regions of the Pine Tree Development Zone.

2.__Review and selection of department acres.__The commissioner shall review information and select acres, referred to in this subsection as "department acres," for designation based upon the following criteria:

A.__Severity of economic distress within the affected community or region;

B.__Impact of the proposed development project on the regional economy; and

C.__Cooperation with regional councils of governments as described in chapter 119 and participating units of local governments.

Department acres may be added to an existing Pine Tree Development Zone and must conform generally to the requirements set forth in section 5250-J, subsection 4.

SUMMARY

This bill affects the Pine Tree Development Zone laws by: