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LD 447

An Act To Expand Ferry Service To Matinicus Isle

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Holly Eaton and 3 co-sponsors

Expands and updates Maine law to broaden ferry service to Matinicus Isle, improving access and transportation reliability while minor Highway Fund costs are anticipated.

Signed by Governor
#ferries #matinicus #navigation
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LD 447

Summary — LD 447: An Act To Expand Ferry Service To Matinicus Isle

Status: Signed by the Governor (6/10/2025)
Introduced: 02/04/2025
Committee: Transportation
Final action: Passed to be enacted (concurrence), amended by Committee Amendment “A” (H‑337)

Main purpose

LD 447 directs changes to state law to expand ferry service to Matinicus Isle. The bill’s intent is to improve maritime transportation access between the mainland and Matinicus Isle (a remote island community off the coast of Maine), by altering the legal framework governing ferry service operations.

Key provisions (as reflected in available documents)

  • The bill amends the statute(s) that govern ferry service to Matinicus Isle to enable an “expansion” of service. Specific operational details (e.g., schedule, vessel capacity, routes, fares) are not included in the provided summary documents.
  • A Committee Amendment (H‑337, “A”) was adopted and the bill was enacted as amended. The amendment materially altered the bill prior to final passage; the amendment text is not included in the fiscal notes.

Note: The public summary and fiscal documents identify the Department of Transportation (DOT) as the impacted agency, implying the DOT would implement the statutory changes.

Who is affected

  • Residents and businesses of Matinicus Isle (improved access, transportation reliability).
  • Visitors, suppliers, and emergency service providers who rely on ferry connections.
  • Maine Department of Transportation — charged with implementing any statutory or operational changes.
  • State Highway Fund — the agency’s operations are funded in part from this source (see fiscal note).

Fiscal impact

  • Two fiscal notes (approved 5/22/2025 and 6/2/2025 for different drafts) conclude the bill will cause a minor cost increase to the Highway Fund.
  • Any additional DOT costs are expected to be minor and absorbable within existing budgeted resources.

Legislative timeline / procedure highlights

  • Referred to the Transportation Committee (02/04/2025).
  • Work session held and committee recommended “Ought to Pass as Amended” (OTP‑AM) (05/15/2025; reported out 05/29/2025).
  • Committee Amendment “A” (H‑337) adopted and bill passed to be engrossed (06/02/2025).
  • Passed both chambers in concurrence (06/03/2025).
  • Signed by Governor (06/10/2025).

Next steps / where to find details

For the exact legal changes, implementation instructions, and the text of Committee Amendment H‑337, consult the enrolled bill or the Maine Legislature’s bill tracking site and the final printed law. Contact the Maine Department of Transportation for planned operational changes or implementation timelines.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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