ME LD836

Authorizes $50,000,000 in general obligation bonds to fund a competitive grant program for upgrading municipal culverts at stream crossings, with bonds maturing within 10 years

Requires grants to match local funding, meaning bond funds cannot cover 100% of any project's costs

Eligible applicants include local governments, municipal conservation commissions, soil and water conservation districts, and private nonprofit organizations for culverts on municipal roads only

Projects will be evaluated on habitat restoration benefits (native brook trout, sea-run fish, wildlife), flood preparedness, meeting DOT design standards of 1.2 times bankfull width, and cost-effectiveness

Requires voter approval through statewide referendum in November following passage; bonds not issued within 5 years of ratification are automatically deauthorized