ME LD1625

Establishes the Maine Working Waterfront Preservation Program and Fund to protect strategically significant waterfront properties from redevelopment into non-commercial fishing uses

Expands the definition of "working waterfront property" to include aquatic habitat for aquaculture purposes and extends eligibility to persons providing direct services requiring waterfront access

Requires grant recipients to provide matching funds at least equal to the grant amount, though this requirement may be waived for imminent property sales or auctions

Allows up to 20% of acquired property's appraised value to be used for stewardship investments and capital improvements, and up to 10% for business plan development

Grants the Commissioner of Marine Resources permanent right of first refusal on any protected waterfront property, with price determined by independent appraisal based on commercial fisheries value