For more than a year South Berwick, Berwick, Eliot, Kittery, North Berwick, and Wells have been discussing the creation of a regional development authority. As a result, LD 2003, “An Act To Create the Southern York County Regional Development Authority” was sponsored by Senator Bowman of York and cosponsored by Representative Gould of South Berwick and Representatives Wheeler of Kittery, Chase of Wells, Weaver of York, and Hill of York.
On January 17, the legislation went before the Business Research and Economic Development Committee (BRED) in Augusta for a public hearing and a vote. At the time of the hearing, Senator Bowman, the original sponsor, had withdrawn his support because he was concerned that the legislation was too strongly worded and that local citizens were not fully informed about it. Consequently BRED tabled their decision and set a work session for Feb. 26 so they can hear more input and review possible amendments to the legislation.
Citizens of the towns involved have an opportunity to learn more about the legislation, ask questions of its proponents and opponents, and let our legislators and the members of the BRED Committee know what we think of the legislation before the February 26 work session.
Here’s more information about the bill.
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