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LD 1985

An Act To Implement The Recommendations Of The Maine Abandoned And Discontinued Roads Commission

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sue Salisbury

LD 1985 - An Act To Implement The Recommendations Of The Maine Abandoned And Discontinued Roads Commission OverviewBill Number: LD 1985 Title: An Act To Implement The Recommendati

Became Law without Governor's Signature
#abandonedanddiscontinued #municipalities #roads
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Bill Summary · LD 1985

LD 1985 - An Act To Implement The Recommendations Of The Maine Abandoned And Discontinued Roads Commission

Overview

Bill Number: LD 1985
Title: An Act To Implement The Recommendations Of The Maine Abandoned And Discontinued Roads Commission
Status: HELD BY THE GOVERNOR
Introduced: May 19, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This bill aims to address the growing issue of abandoned and discontinued roads in Maine. It seeks to implement the recommendations of the Maine Abandoned and Discontinued Roads Commission, which was established to study the challenges posed by these roads and develop solutions. The primary goal is to provide municipalities with clearer guidelines and processes for managing abandoned and discontinued roads, ultimately improving public safety and reducing maintenance costs.

Key Provisions

  • Establishes a formal process for municipalities to petition the state to discontinue or abandon roads that are no longer in use or pose a public safety risk
  • Requires municipalities to maintain a public registry of all abandoned and discontinued roads within their jurisdiction
  • Authorizes municipalities to sell or transfer ownership of abandoned roads to abutting landowners, with certain restrictions
  • Provides state funding to assist municipalities in the maintenance and repair of discontinued roads that remain open to public use
  • Directs the Maine Department of Transportation to develop and maintain a statewide database of all abandoned and discontinued roads

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Municipalities across Maine will be impacted, as they will be responsible for managing the process of discontinuing or abandoning roads and maintaining the public registry
  • Abutting landowners may have the opportunity to acquire ownership of abandoned roads adjacent to their property, subject to municipal approval
  • The general public will benefit from improved public safety and reduced maintenance costs associated with abandoned and discontinued roads
  • The Maine Department of Transportation will be tasked with creating and maintaining the statewide database of abandoned and discontinued roads

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

This bill is currently being held by the Governor, meaning it has not yet been signed into law. The next step would be for the Governor to either sign the bill, allowing it to become law, or veto the bill, which would require the legislature to override the veto in order for the bill to be enacted. If signed into law, the various provisions of the bill would likely be implemented over the course of several years, as municipalities and state agencies work to establish the necessary processes and infrastructure.

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

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