An Act To Increase The Influence Of The Maine State Ferry Advisory Board On The Funding And Operations Of The Maine State Ferry Service

LD 1731 requires the Maine State Ferry Service to consult the Maine State Ferry Advisory Board on budget development, strategic planning, and major operational decisions - including rider experience, fares, schedules, and vessel maintenance. The bill mandates the ferry service to provide the board with annual reports on financial performance, rider feedback, and operational challenges, and requires the board to review these reports and provide feedback. Additionally, the board must conduct an annual review of ferry operations, submit improvement recommendations to the Legislature’s transportation committee by January 15 each year, and have these recommendations formally considered by the ferry service for the following fiscal year. This bill directly affects the ferry service’s decision-making process, the advisory board’s role, and the Legislature’s oversight of ferry funding and operations.