§5250-Q. Pine Tree Recreation Zone

1.  Definitions.  As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A. "Qualified project" means a business project that meets the criteria set forth in subsection 4 conducted by a qualified industry.   [PL 2005, c. 555, §1 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 555, §3 (AFF).]

B. "Qualified industry" means a for-profit corporation, limited liability company, partnership, registered limited liability partnership, sole proprietorship, business trust or any other entity, inside or outside the State, that is engaged in or will engage in a qualified project.   [PL 2005, c. 555, §1 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 555, §3 (AFF).]

[PL 2005, c. 555, §1 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 555, §3 (AFF).]

2.  Establishment.  The Pine Tree Recreation Zone is established to expand recreational opportunities and encourage tourism and economic development in areas adjacent to and located within the State's natural resources in the central and northern regions of the State.

[PL 2005, c. 555, §1 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 555, §3 (AFF).]

3.  Designation of zone.  The Pine Tree Recreation Zone is that area of the State that is north and east of the Androscoggin River.

[PL 2005, c. 555, §1 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 555, §3 (AFF).]

4.  Project eligibility.  A business project is eligible to qualify for Pine Tree Recreation Zone benefits if the project:

A. Is located within the Pine Tree Recreation Zone and is in a labor market area with a population density of less than 30 people per square mile according to the last Federal Decennial Census; and   [PL 2005, c. 555, §1 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 555, §3 (AFF).]

B. Derives at least 50% of its business from sustainable recreational or agricultural tourism activities that involve the use of available natural resources and provides at least one of the following services:

(1) Accommodations;

(2) Guiding or instructional services; and

(3) The sale or rental of equipment for use in canoeing, kayaking, hunting, fishing, sailing, whitewater rafting, hiking, wildlife photography, snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowshoeing, downhill or cross-country skiing, camping activities or other similar nature-based tourism activities.   [PL 2005, c. 555, §1 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 555, §3 (AFF).]

[PL 2005, c. 555, §1 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 555, §3 (AFF).]

5.  Administration; rules.  The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development shall administer this subchapter and shall adopt rules for the implementation of this subchapter. Rules adopted under this subsection are major substantive rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A. The commissioner is authorized to adopt rules setting forth the process by which qualified projects may apply for funding from grants and loans, including loans administered by the Finance Authority of Maine through its economic recovery loan program.

[PL 2005, c. 555, §1 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 555, §3 (AFF).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 2005, c. 555, §1 (NEW). PL 2005, c. 555, §3 (AFF).