Chambers at odds over Informed Growth Act

The Maine House of Representatives defeated a bill Thursday that would have amended the Informed Growth Act.

The act, passed last year, requires large developers to pay for an impact study prior to building in Maine’s communities.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. David Hastings III, R-Fryeburg, would have allowed communities to opt out of the act. It was defeated 73 to 59. The Maine Senate had passed Hastings’ bill Monday.

Thursday’s debate centered around local control vs. regional interests.

Augusta’s two representatives, Kim Silsby and Patsy Crockett, both Democrats, spoke in favor of the bill. The state’s capital has benefitted from large-scale development, they said.

“Augusta welcomes all shapes and sizes of economic development,” Silsby said. “I believe the citizens of Augusta know what’s best for their community.”

Exemption criteria was a point of confusion. The bill does include an exemption clause, but several representatives were at odds over whether cities such as Augusta qualify.

For Rep. Andrea Boland, D-Sanford, the Informed Growth Act is about providing a level playing field for small communities, rural communities and cities.

“In communities, a large development can overwhelm the towns, even if they are professionals,” she said.

Rep. Christopher Barstow, D-Gorham and chairman of the State and Local Government Committee, which dealt with the act, said it is premature to amend it. Also, it takes regional interests into account. A development coming into Gorham can affect Westbrook or Buxton, he said.

Rep. Ted Koffman, D-Bar Harbor, had a similar concern. Developments can affect traffic patterns, drinking water supplies, housing and open space protection, he said.

“I just wish we had it (the act) working for us 20 years ago,” he said.