Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-02-01
Portland Traffic District.

Rep Gurney of Portland-An act to
incorporate the Portland Traffic District.
The act constitutes the territory anu
people of the cities of Portland and
South Portland a public municipal cor
land Traffic District for the purpose of
operating and controlling the transpor-
tation of passengers and Merchandise
within those cities and the extension OF
transportation facilities operating there
in, including the waters therein or con-
tiguous thereto and for the storage and
distribution of merchandise and the con-
troll, development and Improvement of
the harbors of Portland and South Port
land, also the policing thereof.
The district is authorized to purchase
or take by eminent domain or rent real
and personal property. to acquire, con-
struct. maintain, operate, let or lease
railroads, railways. boats or vessels
piers, docks, including a dry dock. stor-
age yards and public warehouses, freight
and passenger terminals and convey
ances, including ferries. The district
shall provide track connection and stor-
age facilities to any railroad company
now or hereafter reaching Portland or
South Portland.
The affairs Of the district shall be
managed by a board of five directors,
two Of whom shall be the mayors of
Portland and South Portland and the
other three shall be elected by plu-
rality vote of the voters of Portland at
a special election on the fourth Monday
of August. 1917 and thereafter one shall
be elected each year for term of three
years on the fourth Monday of May.
The directors shall keep themselves thor
oughIv Informed as to the present and
nrobahle future requirements of steam
ships, shipping and railways and as to
the best means that can be provided at
the port of Portland and South Port
land for the accommodation and opera
ton of the steamships, railroads ana
other traffic facilities, also warehouses
and induatrial establishments. Each d.
rector is to receive $500 per year.
The Traffic District is authorized to
acquire by purchase or by the right or
eminent domain the entire plants, prop
critics. franchises, rights and privileges,
or such parts thereof as may be deemed
advisable of any and all persons. forms
or corporations engaged within the linz
it's of this act in any line OF business
covered by the purposes of this incor-
poration Except their cash assets) in
GLIDING all stocks in other companies,
lands, buildings, waters, water rights,
machinery, fixtures and all apparatus
and appliances owned and operated by
said persons, firms or corporations. In
case of disa greement, the district is au-
thorized to take over such plants and
to be fixed by the county commissioners
of Cumberland county.
The Traffic District Is authorized to
borrow money on notes anc to issue
bonds to carry out the purposes Of the
corporation, which is declared to be a
quasi municipal corporation. Charges
for use of the property and services fur
nished by the district are to be arranged
by the directors to pay current expenses,
interest on the Indebtedness, to provide
a sinking fund, to which shall be added
each year not less than one nor more
than 5 per cent. of the entire indebted
ness to make Improvements. If any sur
Mus remains at the end of any year, 1t
may in the discretion Of the directors be
divided between the cities of Portland
and South Portland in the same proper
ton as each contributed to the gross
earnings.
"All incidental powers. rights and
privileges necessary to the accomplish
ment of the main objects herein set forth
are granted to the public municipal cor
poration hereby created"
The act provides that 1t shall take ef-
feet when approved by a majority vote
of the citizens of Portland and South
Portland at special election on the Sec
oed Monday Of July, 1917.