129th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 559		LR 905(02)
	An Act To Restore Regular Mapping of Eelgrass Beds in the State
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
	Committee: Environment and Natural Resources
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
			FY 2019-20	FY 2020-21	Projections  FY 2021-22	Projections  FY 2022-23
Net Cost (Savings)
	General Fund		$237,700	$270,840	$220,259	$246,310
Appropriations/Allocations
	General Fund		$237,700	$270,840	$220,259	$246,310
	Other Special Revenue Funds		$500	$500	$500	$500
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in consultation with the Department of Marine Resources (DMR), to establish and implement an eelgrass mapping program and publicly disseminate data and mapping information.
	The bill includes General Fund appropriations to the Bureau of Water Quality within the DEP of $113,300 in fiscal year 2019-20 and $153,340 in fiscal year 2020-21 for one Biologist II position and one Environmental Technician position and associated All Other costs and $124,400 in fiscal year 2019-20 and $117,500 in fiscal year 2020-21 to collect aerial imagery, process maps, disseminate findings and maintain or replace equipment.  The bill also includes ongoing Other Special Revenue Funds allocations of $500 starting in fiscal year 2019-20 to establish the Eelgrass Mapping Fund to allow acceptance of grants, bequests, gifts or contributions to support the program from any source, public or private.
	Any additional costs to the DMR to consult with the DEP are anticipated to be minor and can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.