126th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 1603		LR 2587(01)
	An Act Regarding Wet Storage Sites for Cultured Marine Organisms
	Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
	Sponsor: Rep. Devin of Newcastle
	Committee: Marine Resources
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
Current biennium cost increase - General Fund
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	The Department of Marine Resources will require an annual General Fund appropriation of $83,600 starting in FY 15 for one position to oversee the development of the proposed rules and the new permitting system involving wet storage sites. This wet storage permit would allow aquaculture leaseholders and licensees to conduct wet storage of cultured organisms. There are currently 2 hearings officers employed by the department, one presides over rulemaking while the other presides over aquaculture lease hearings. The new hearings officer would assist in issuing over 100 applications for wet storage licenses, as well as with rulemaking governing these licenses.