Resolve, Directing the Secretary of State To Establish a Task Force To Develop a Plan for the Maine State Cultural Building in Augusta
Maine Legislature, Session 122, LD 2082

Legislative Document 
No. 2082 
H.P.1473 
House of Representati ves, March 21, 2006 
Resolve, Directing the Secretary of State To Establish a Task Force 
To Develop a Plan for the Maine State Cultural Building in Augusta 
(EMERGENCY) 
Reported by Representative BARSTOW of Gorham for the Joint Standing Committee on 
State and Local Government pursuant to Joint Order 2005, H.P. 494. 
Printed on rel:ydeJ paper 
77/~ 
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MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and 
Whereas, the Maine State Cultural Building is experiencing a severe shortage of 
archive space and physical building damage that could lead to the loss of cultural 
artifacts, books and archived records; and 
Whereas, the task force established in this resolve will need time to develop options 
for the improvement of the Maine State Cultural Building and to investigate funding 
sources; and 
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
therefore, be it 
Sec. 1. Secretary of State directed to establish task force to develop plan 
for cultural building in Augusta. Resolved: That the Secretary of State shall 
establish a task force to develop a plan for the Maine State Cultural Building. The task 
force shall include representatives from the Maine Historic Preservation Commission; the 
Maine State Library; the Maine State Museum; the Maine State Archives; the Department 
of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of General Services; the University of 
Maine System; the City of Augusta; the Maine Archives and Museums Association; the 
Maine Library Association; and other individuals or organizations with a demonstrated 
interest in the cultural affairs of the State; and be it further 
Sec. 2. Task force duties. Resolved: That the task force established in section 1 
shall examine and make recommendations regarding the following issues concerning the 
Maine State Cultural Building: 
1. 
Space limitations, mechanical problems, energy inefficiencies and physical 
deterioration; 
2. The possibility of constructing a new building; 
3. 
Obtaining federal sources of funds to be used for upgrading and expanding 
cultural facilities in Augusta; 
4. 
Obtaining private sources of funds to be used for upgrading and expanding 
cultural facilities in Augusta; and 
5. 
Ways for the: State to work collaboratively with universities to develop 
cooperative agreements to meet the cultural needs of the State; and be it further 
Sec. 3. 
Report and recommendations. 
Resolved: That the task force 
established in section 1 shall report its findings and recommendations under section 2 , 
including any suggested legislation to the joint standing committee of the Legislature 
having jurisdiction over state and local government matters no later than January 15, 
2007; and be it further 
Sec. 4. Authority to report out legislation. Resolved: That the joint standing 
committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over state and local government matters 
is authorized to report out legislation concerning the finding and recommendations under 
section 2 to the First Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature. 
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this resolve 
takes effect when approved. 
SUMMARY 
This resolve directs the Secretary of State to establish a task force to look at the long-
term needs of the Maine State Cultural Building, including the possibility of constructing 
a new building. The task force shall consider the issues of space limitations, mechanical 
problems, physical deterioration and energy inefficiencies. It shall also seek to develop 
initiatives that use federal financing opportunities and take advantage of cooperation with 
the University of Maine System. 
The task force shall report to the joint standing 
committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over state and local government matters 
by January 15,2007. 
FISCAL :\OTE J\~(JlIRED 
(See attached) 
Revised: 03110/06 ~ac:.. 
LR 3182(01) 
Resolve, Directing the Secretary of State to Establish a Task Force to Develop a Plan for the Maine 
State Cultural Building in Augusta 
Fiscal Note for Committee Bill 
Committee: State and Local Government 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Minor cost increase - General Fund 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
Additional costs to the Secretary of State, the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, the Maine Historical Society, 
the Maine Arts Commission, the Maine State Library, the Maine State Museum, the Department of Administrative and 
Financial Services and the University of Maine System to serve on the Task Force can be absorbed utilizing existing 
budgeted resources. 
LR3182(J) - FiSP:l1 N()tp  P"o-p 1 "f'1