ME LD1680

Establishes a permanent 10-member Ferry Oversight Committee to provide continuous oversight of Maine State Ferry Service operations affecting unbridged island communities

Committee membership includes 2 legislators from the Transportation Committee, 2 Ferry Advisory Board members representing islands, 2 island representatives appointed by the Governor, and 4 experts in infrastructure, emergency services, economic development, and education

Members serve 2-year terms with initial staggered appointments (4 one-year terms, 4 two-year terms) and must meet at least quarterly

Committee reviews Department of Transportation proposals related to ferry operations and berthing changes, reporting findings to the Legislature's Transportation Committee

Annual report due December 31st examining impacts of ferry service changes on student education access, emergency response, service reliability, and island economic vitality