A. In cooperation with the University of Maine System and other state, local and federal agencies or instrumentalities, conduct studies, including studies concerning land use and availability, financial management and marketing, to analyze the situation and needs of those persons in the State engaged in or wishing to enter natural resource enterprises. The authority may develop plans and recommendations as to its role and the role of the State generally in facilitating the development of natural resource enterprises;   [PL 1985, c. 779, §40 (AMD).]

B.   [PL 1985, c. 344, §29 (RP).]

C.   [PL 1985, c. 344, §29 (RP).]

D. Provide to public and private entities technical assistance and advice related to purposes of this subchapter, including:  

E. Contract with financing institutions to make natural resource enterprise loans on behalf of the authority. In establishing a financing program pursuant to this paragraph, the authority shall establish guidelines for the operation of and participation in loan programs and shall assure compliance with those guidelines. Loans made under this paragraph shall not exceed $250,000. The authority shall promulgate regulations governing eligibility which take into consideration the established guidelines and the ability of applicants to compete successfully in the private lending market and to pay amounts at which private enterprise is providing natural resource financing. In promulgating such regulations, the authority may establish income or asset limitations for eligibility.  

F. Develop mechanisms for guaranteeing repayment of loans or other obligations of indebtedness incurred in connection with natural resource enterprises;   [PL 1985, c. 344, §29 (AMD).]

G.   [PL 1985, c. 344, §29 (RP).]

H.   [PL 1985, c. 344, §29 (RP).]

I.   [PL 1985, c. 344, §29 (RP).]

J. Take, in addition to the other powers enumerated in this section, such actions as may be necessary to qualify as an "other financing institution" as that term is defined by the Federal Intermediate Credit Bank, to participate in an agricultural credit corporation or to act in any similar way to achieve the purposes of this subchapter;   [PL 1983, c. 519, §7 (NEW).]

K. Serve as a clearinghouse for information relating to financing, management and marketing concerns of natural resource enterprises and gather and disseminate information regarding these activities. The authority shall encourage and coordinate effective use of existing and new services to assist natural resource enterprise development;   [PL 1985, c. 344, §29 (AMD).]

L. Receive advice and assistance from, and coordinate its programs with, the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Maine State Housing Authority, the Maine Development Foundation and other state agencies with relevant expertise. In addition, programs authorized in this subchapter may be coordinated or combined with other public and private national, state, regional or local programs that the agency determines will facilitate the purposes of this subchapter; and   [PL 2001, c. 417, §9 (AMD).]

M.   [PL 1985, c. 344, §29 (RP).]

N. Be designated by the Governor as the public agency of the State to receive federal funds available to the State in relation to financing natural resource enterprises and, once designated, receive and expend these funds.   [PL 1985, c. 344, §29 (AMD).]